Aaron is an amazing young man.  He was my student sophomore year.   This is a video of a speech he delivered at an FBLA dinner.
This is what he wrote to me after the event ...

This is a video of me giving my speech in front of over 300 people who attended FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] this year. I came in first place for Public Speaking II, which gave me the incredible opportunity to do this. It was funny because when I started talking, people we're obviously whispering and talking but the longer I spoke, the quieter the crowd got.. until they were silent. I had them captivated... Greatest experience of my life.
For coming in 1st for the Public Speaking II, I got a trophy, a certificate of achievement, a $2500 scholarship to the University of Southern New Hampshire, and a chance to travel to California in early July to compete in Nationals... I've never felt so accomplished. I wanted to thank you because if you never encouraged me to make my writing public, I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't have accomplished all that I have. Thank you, so so so very much.

And times like this are why I teach.  

A movie I wish I had made...

Taylor Mali on what teachers make

"The The Impotence of Proofreading," by TAYLOR MALI

"Dear Ms. S,
Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for not giving up on me when I gave up on myself. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas/holiday. You're a wonderful teacher. Love, K"

This is a letter a student gave me. It was written in green and red marker. This student did give up on herself and I haven't given up on her. She will do well if she believes in herself. Why do we often only listen to the people who tell us we can't? It looks like she just may be listening to me...

from a colleague

You do so many fantastic things for our school. We're so lucky to have you here now!!!! You're the best!

him

A past student of mine told a fellow colleague that he learned more from me in my class than other years. He was one of my challenging students so to hear this is yet another reason why I teach. We live for the little victories. We live for the minute moments when a kid shifts from "I don't care" to the "hey maybe I can do this" I try to remember this on the days when I have parents who complain to me when their child plagarizes a song as his own poem and they think I am being too hard on their precious child. I have to remember that it is the small moments that make what I do worthwhile.