Proud

Tonight, Tony, Charlie and I headed over to Byron to the school I worked at last year. They were having their annual art auction. The proceeds go to Starry Night Collective which is a non-profit organization that funds arts for students who have emotional and behavioral disabilities. One such program it funded was sending our students to The Lion King on Broadway last year. This was an experience these students would never be able to experience with their families due mainly to socio-economic hardships. The kids were truly amazed at being in the presence of such wonderful music and entertainment. 

Kids with emotional and behavioral disabilities are able to use art as an outlet for anger and sadness that many of them are incredibly burdened with. Unfortunately many of them have seen and felt things I could never think possible. I don't understand why I was lucky enough to grow up in a home with two very loving and caring parents, but since I did, I feel I can give some of that love and caring back to children living without it. 

After the auction, there is an awards ceremony. We were going to leave before it to get Charlie to bed, but my friend Carrie said one of my former students was getting student of the year. It is a huge honor that the entire staff has to agree on. I HAD to stay and watch. I worked so hard trying to connect with this little guy last year when he was a third grader. I've never seen such a young child have so much anger. He was the student who cried last year when he found out I was leaving ZED. There is a special place in my heart for him.

This year, this student has grown immensely. His anger is getting under control, and he is growing academically. He smiles daily! You'd be surprised at what a huge accomplishment that is. When my friend Sarah gave the speech about how much he's grown, tears were running down my cheek. I looked over at him and he was grinning from ear to ear! Once he had the trophy in his hands, the smile never faded. 

I'm so glad we made the trip over there tonight. It made me realize I'm in the right field for sure. Those kids need caring adults in their lives, and I'm so proud to be one of those adults. 

Congrats G!