I had a student pass away right before Thanksgiving. I found out through a slightly awkward series of events, but in the end it was better because I was able to go to my room and have a breakdown before the staff meeting when everyone was told. Which means I just sobbed silently in the meeting which is not what happened in my classroom. He was my favorite. That's right I said it, teachers have favorites, you've known it your whole life, but I just confirmed it for you. Anyway, this Monday one of his other teachers found an assignment that Travis had done his first day at our school. It was to write 20 "I am" statements in less than 5 minutes. 1-19 we're cute or truthful, 20 made me cry again.
Here are his words:
1. I am Travis *********
2. I am a drug addict
3. I am irresponsible
4. I am skateboarding today
5. I am the youngest child
6. I am 18 years of age
7. I am a genius
8. I am wearing a lot of black
9. I am original
10. I am different
11. I am unorthodox
12. I am getting my G.E.D.
13. I am happy today
14. I am excited about this class
15. I am Gentle
16. I am Kind
17. I am down to earth
18. I am unaffected by teenage drama
19. I am a prophet of some sort
20. I am destined to do great things
He was.
