Today was my last day of interning at Canal Street Elementary. After all the time I spent there, I had never once met a person that was the slightest bit unkind. The faculty and staff are incredible! And the kids. I don't even know where to begin.
Something that never fails to amaze is the resilience of a child's heart. Their spirits may be broken down but their kind hearts and their desire to be love never abate. Open one of their files and you'd be amazed at what you'd find. Beaten. Molested. Neglected. Abandoned. Yes, the kids act up every so often and so behavioral staff and walkie talkies are to be present at all times. Just yesterday, we had city police present. But to see these kids laugh and smile brings immense joy to my heart. I didn't think I'd be so popular in such a short amount of time!
I know you won't ever read this... but here goes. Thank you staff: for showing me what true love and dedication is. For all the kind words and the smiles and the memorable conversations. Thank you teachers: for displaying kindness and grace to children who need you more than anything. To many of the kids, you're the closest thing they have to a parent, and as an observer, their love for you is undeniable. After attending an enormous university with some professors that honestly don't care... I am humbly reminded of how vital the role of the educator is. Thank you SLPs: for being so sweet and helpful in letting me be a part of your clinic. I know more than ever that this is what I want to do.
&Thank you students of Canal Street: you are each so incredibly beautiful and unique. The world has been cruel to you, but there is a God who loves you more than anything. And His love shines through each one of you! You are heroes. I too have felt the pang of broken trust, of abuse... not to the extent that many of you have faced, but I have felt. I have hurt. And it took me a hell of a long time to come around and forgive myself and find joy. Seeing you all find such strength at such a young age has been monumentally encouraging. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I will be praying for each one of you.
Sure, I was the one "helping out" on paper. But in actuality, YOU all will be missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment