The Thought Was Priceless

(I am a student teacher finishing up the last day of my practicum in a grade 4/5 class. I’ve had a wonderful time, and the kids have been great. We have a goodbye party with cake and everything. To my surprise, one of the students gets a nod from my mentor teacher and approaches me at the front of the class.)

Student: “Miss [My Name], I got you a goodbye present!” *hands me a little box*

(I open the box to find a necklace! It’s quite obvious that it’s not anything expensive, but I couldn’t care less. Touched by the gesture, I immediately put it on.)

Student: “My mom helped me pick it out!”

Me: *almost in tears* “Thank you so much, [Student]. I love it!”

Student: *proudly bragging* “And you know the best part? It was REALLY cheap!”

(I found out later that he was apparently very concerned that I would think he spent thousands of dollars on the necklace, and be uncomfortable accepting it. It’s been several years but I still have that necklace, and it brings a smile to my face whenever I take it out!)