Why Do You Do This?

In one of my classes today, students came in very disruptive and disrespectful to others in the class.  Once I finally got them to settle down in their seats and some of them started working, I still had some students that were feeling around not doing what they were suppose to and distracting others around them.  I finally had one student ask them to be quiet, and they all stopped and looked at her.  (Remind yourself this student is the 7th grade class president) She then asked each and every one of them what they wanted to do when they get older.  They all just looked at her and they answered one by one.  The next words out of this girls mouth was, well how are you going to get there? They all just looked like they seen a ghost.  Another student asked, well what do you mean?  This student goes on to tell them that they are not going to become that if they are fooling around and not doing what they are suppose to do, you are not going to be able to be that.  You need to be focused and willing to challenge yourself to complete tasks.  This is how you will grow as a learner and person inside/outside of school.  I was shocked, but tried not to show it.

Every student after she spoke, quickly got to work and completed the assignment at hand.  Then suddenly one of the students raised their hand and asked, Ms. Polzella why do you come to work everyday?  The thought that came through my head, "YES! I love this question!".  My response:

What a great question! Why do you think I come to school everyday? (Interested in what they would say) One girl shouts out; well isn't obvious, she loves us!  I look at them and say: Yes, that is definitely true!  I love each and everyone of my students!  I am here everyday because I impact your life in some way or another, even if you don't know it.  I could not picture myself doing anything else but teaching. Knowing that I can help others learn, fills me with joy.  I know that if I am not here, who would be? Since, I'm here I know that I am providing you with the best education I can and giving you an opportunity to learn and excel like you never thought you could!  Thats why I continue my learning at the graduate level, so that I can become even a better educator for my students.  

Ms. Polzella don't some of these students drive you crazy, tho?

Everyday when I am here I feel like I am going crazy.  But its a good crazy.  I could stand up here and do the same thing everyday, that would be boring. Sometimes during class I stop and look around and say to myself, "If anyone walks in this door, they are going to think its a mad house in here, but this is how I roll: organized chaos!"   I'm here because I care about your education.  I have been in your shoes before, I know what it feels like, I want to be able to tell you its going to be okay, trust me! And that we can learn together!