Kindness is its own reward.

A student of mine said this to me today.

How do kids get so smart? Mental note: take more life advice from them.

They're full of pure, non-agenda-seeking, honest wisdom; it's amazing.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the little moments that make me pause during my day;

for subtly forcing me to take a step back from the fast-paced, and learn something absolutely, beautifully inspiring.

Just a few more reasons why I love and will miss all of my students...

Seniors are very different;

Severe expressions and uncomfortable squeaking.

Comfort zones leave

It feels good to be different

Not to emphasize the same feeling;

Community, accustomed, residence in groups

It's out.

Students are getting ready to leave.

They aren't uncomfortable.

They aren't nervous.

It's good to step out.

Tom, 18

The chance to pick

A do-over.

Checked past

Don't leave

the cost; choose for me

speak up!

Don't drop out.

Who won the lost me?

Who was the winner?

Colton, 17

What Lies Ahead

Strong start, hopefully

Engineering at the University of Illinois

Bright spot defined as college

My mind is a one lane street

Towards enrollment in the fall

First-time student, 4 more consecutive years

Strong finish, hopefully

Lauren, 18

3000 dead

Shattered capital

victims in floodplains

No hope, until Spring

Rainy disaster

Falling country

Collected killings

No hope, until Spring

Spring brings health

Brings life

Brings hope

We wait, until Spring.

Shahid, 18

Adjusting my accuracy

The corner pins are the difference.

Individuals in a competitive field,

Rolling towards strikes.

Average is no good ,

and a zero will not help.

700 Series at the Thunderbird Lanes

Ryan, 17

Poetry by AP students at Centennial High School