The End of the School Year · 1 June 2007
Near the end of the school year, students and teachers alike usually count down the days with joy. People ask me whether I am excited that another school year is almost over. I usually reply that I am not ready for the year to end. Many of my colleagues interpret this to mean that there is still so much to be done and say that they agree. Even though this is not what I mean, I half-heartedly nod agreement and leave it at that but the truth is that I do not like the end of the school year.
Most people must think I am crazy to not like the end of the school year. After all, when school is out, it is a time to get away and relax. It is a time to catch up on my reading. It is a time to write to my heart’s content. Summer is a time for rejuvenation whatever activities I choose to do. And I love that.
For me though, the end of school does not really equate to summer. While I do enjoy the time off, the end of school does not mean summer is just around the corner. The end of school means saying goodbye. That is what I do not like.
I would say that most teachers try to gain a rapport with their students. Having some connection is a must if the students are to learn. The students who are really interested in the subjects that I teach take my class more than one year if they can fit it into their schedules. Some of these students are with me for two, three, or four years. Sometimes for more than one period a day during the school year. They get to know me and I get to know them. We talk about school, life, their futures, and much much more than just engineering or programming. That is why I say that a student who comes into my classroom and stays for more than a few days becomes my child.
When I have students for more than one year, May and June become harder to face unless I know I will see them again the next year in my class or around the school. “Goodbye,” is not so hard to say to them because there is a “See you next year,” attached to it. I do not like the end of the school year because I must say “Goodbye,” to my seniors and I do not know when or if I will see them again. I do not know when I will see my kids again.
It is hard to believe that the school year is almost over. There is still lots of work to be done but the end is just around the corner. Students and staff are excited. But I am not. I do not like the month of June because I do not like to say goodbye to my children. Especially, my seniors. That is why I do not like the end of the school year.
© 2007 Michael T. Miyoshi
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