Musings from Room 2

It is no secret to those who know me that, although, as a teacher I'm not technically supposed to have favorites, the sophomores in 5th period are pretty special. I don't know what it is that makes that class so different from all the others. Maybe it's the personalities. Maybe it's the time of day, just before lunch. Maybe it's Memphis. Who knows? Nevertheless, there is an abundance of enjoyable moments and memories made daily in Room 2 during 5th period. I often wonder if these kids love me as much as I love them. Probably not. But some days they say things that just make my whole week. I could live on comments like "This class gets me through the day" for a lifetime. I don't know what I'm doing right with these kids, but they feel safe with me, and that is my #1 goal as a teacher.

Today was a day not unlike other glorious Wednesdays when I get to have all my sophomores for an hour and a half. There was random chatting and fun being had by all in the midst of grammar and learning and writing. It was heavenly, as you can imagine. But, for some reason, after several weeks of school, this class began to ask a plethora of questions about me and my life that they had not yet asked.

Are you married?
Do you have a "manfriend"?
Will you write a book? ( I later found out that they want me to write a book about them. Good thing they don't know about this blog.)
Do you have any siblings?
What is your favorite football team?: college and NFL

These are just the ones from today. I've also answered questions that range anywhere from what sports I played in high school to what my favorite movies are. I'm seriously considering creating an autobiography to share with them all. Since the readers of the pickle jar are among my greatest friends, I'm asking you for particular stories, facts, or parts of my life that should not be neglected, should I choose to tell my students about my life. Maybe I'll even dig out the ancient Facebook note on my 16 things for inspiration. The phone lines and comment boxes are now open.

One for One

In the spirit of shamelessly stealing a really good idea from the blog of my dear friend, Ellen, I've written this open letter to the creator of an incredible global-outreach project.

Dear Tom,
I'm not sure where you are in the world at this moment, what your last name is, or how exactly you became so brilliantly inspired to create your system of giving, but I would like to commend you for your excellence in ingenuity, creativity, and kindness. Your incredible organization and trendy footwear has made people worldwide more globally aware. It has incited charity among the wealthiest people in the world, and its popularity continues to flourish. I have long admired this project from afar as I watched many friends, acquaintances, and strangers rock your canvas shoes and longed for the day when I could become just one among so many who have answered the call to make the world a little smaller through peace, love, and footwear. Cinderella would be so proud.
This weekend, as I received the perfect pair of red canvas TOMS as a birthday gift, I thought of that person half-way around the world, young or old, small or large, who will receive its companion pair and will finally be able to walk to school or to work, play on the playground or fetch water for the family with feet that are covered and protected from the elements, and I was humbled and excited to be able to reach across an ocean and touch a life. It is a beautiful project that you have created and popularized, Tom. I am proud to have finally participated, and I cannot wait until I am able do so again.
I say a special prayer tonight for that pair of shoes being sent out into the world and the person whose feet will fit snugly inside them. May God bless that soul (and those soles) with happiness and peace. And may God bless you, Tom, with joy, peace, and a very long life for your project.

Your devoted admirer,
Hailey