So often as teachers, we hope to impact students’ lives for the better. As an elementary teacher, I oftentimes am unaware of what my impact may have been. But every now and then, I am fortunate enough to learn about my impact.

On one of my Socials, I posted a picture celebrating the number of years of service to my district (25!). A former parent saw it and commented. And yes, I have many former parents as mutuals on my Socials. I live in a small town and it’s not uncommon. She shared that her youngest, a former student of mine, was graduating this year and their plan is to study Computer Science in college and it was thanks to me. They are also graduating high school with a CSE sash. Which was all very nice to hear. THEN, she shared out a writing that the student did. I’m not sure what it was from but the focus was on an experience that the student had while in my class and the impact that experience had on their life.

Background:
For many years, the students participated in ‘Genius Hour‘. This is a time when students can explore their passion, learn something they are interested in, or explore subjects/concepts. There are rules and expectations that accompany this time. Part of the procedure has students reporting out to the class. Therefore, my students were giving weekly presentations. These presentations were then scored by the class. We focused on clarity, volume/eye contact, and overall presentation (did they slump, lean against things, stand tall, etc).

And for years, others side-eyed me and didn’t quite understand the power and impact this precious time held. From an outsider’s viewpoint, it looked like ‘free time’ or playing. To be fair, there was a good amount of slime and goo that was made through the years. I struggled with this for many years. I was hoping for more meaningful projects. Then, my good friend, Nancy Minicozzi, put it all in perspective for me. She said, “This is what they need and it’s okay. Let it go.” She was right. After all, there were many outstanding projects through the years. Techie Chicks were a group of girls who created a website of tech tools and tutorials. They even had their own Chrome Extension. There was another year, a group of girls got together to create a ‘business’. Well, it was more of a charity fundraiser. We had a student with health issues who was spending time in a Ronald McDonald house. This group created a website, sample products, and a Google Form all in an effort to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. These 3rd-graders, raised around $300.

Back to the former student who will be studying CS. In an effort to help students explore subjects and projects they may have never thought of for themselves, I had some resources bookmarked for them to explore. The one resource that caught this student’s eye was Gamestar Mechanic. To say that the student was obsessed would be an understatement. This site allowed students to design their own video games. It was very basic pixelated images, but everyone enjoyed trying out the games this student created. The presentations grew more and more interesting as well. The student would invite another person up to play the newly created game while explaining how it was built and the skills needed to pass the level. It was so much fun watching this student dive into this newly found passion.

Fast forward 7 years. That student is now graduating and going on to study programming. Now, cue the waterworks. This was the reflection that was shared with me.

To this student and so many others, you are extremely gifted and, yes, here you are! You possess the drive and passion to build, create, solve problems, and make this world a better place. I can’t wait to see where you go and what you accomplish. I am so proud of you.

To educators and parents, allow students to explore new avenues. Allow them to spread their wings to try new things. Stand back and let them amaze you!

And yes, I’m tearing up again.

NOTE: I kept the pronouns neutral on purpose. It is nothing deeper than a habit to be neutral out of respect for others in the event they don’t want to be highlighted.