You’ve Been Candy Crushed

I have been a computer teacher for almost ten years in a combined middle/high school (grades seven through twelve). My classroom includes the school’s computer lab. Recently, I was supervising a group of eleventh-grade girls who were finishing a project on the computers. One of the girls is new to the school, and the other three are telling her about the classes and teachers. I was half paying attention while doing my own work when suddenly one of the girls turns to me:

Girl: “You’re so cool, Mrs. [Name]. I want to be like you when I grow up. You’re my favorite teacher.”

She was being sincere, not sarcastic! I got a little teary-eyed. It was nice to know I’d made a connection.

That night, I excitedly told the story to my family at dinner.

Me: “Something great happened at school today.”

And I told the story. When I finished, my ten-year-old looked unimpressed.

Son: “I thought you were gonna say you got free candy or something.”

Way to keep me humble, little man. He did later give me a hug, so I had two wins for the day.