06/06/2025
To the class of 2025 (and their parents), how was your graduation? Did you feel what you thought you’d feel? Are you excited, or nervous, about what comes next?
Many years ago, in a previous job as an EA at our local elementary school, I was brought in to help one of the kindergarten teachers. Within a few minutes of being in the classroom I saw a boy with obvious behavior and mood challenges. But something drew me to want to help him. Over the next few months I worked with him every day. I learned more than I taught…about him, his personality, his struggles. Eventually, I was brought in to meetings to come up with plans for this boy because, for some reason I cannot explain, I got him. I understood him and instinctively knew what helped and, more importantly, what didn’t help him. At the end of the school year his mother, who had called me the child whisperer, asked if I would continue to tutor him. I happily agreed. As I was not ready to say goodbye.
I never knew if he thought I was making a difference. Until one day, towards the end of my time tutoring him, this boy…who had a world of challenges both before and after we met, said to me “Miss Kate. Do you know you’re amazing?” Out of nowhere he said this. And I shrugged and smiled and said thank you. But he stopped me and looked me right in the eyes and said “No. Seriously…You’re amazing.”
And it makes me think, to all those graduates. Remember all you’ve done over the past 4 years, and even before that…with each challenge, every mistake, and all the perfect moments…you make a difference, even when you don’t see it. Remember, you’re amazing.
No. Seriously. You are amazing.
