Tonight, we had parent teacher night. My students, both the well-behaved and ill-behaved accompany their parents (and siblings) to my brightly adorned reading classroom. Never have I made it through these nights without tears. Tears of fear, fear that the burden placed on my 14-years old's backs is too heavy for them, fear that they won't make it, fear that I'm not an adequate enough teacher for them, fear that society will suck them up and strip them of their beautiful benevolent beats.
Last year, my student Lucy came into my room with her mother. I started checking off the all-important, "tell me about my kid" list and then
I stopped.
Lucy was perfect, she read more than any of my other students, answered all of my questions thoughtfully, and meticulously tried to better herself. Her mom had certainly heard the same wonderful things from all of her teachers, I searched for something special to say, something that was unique only to Lucy. As I stuttered and stammered, I could feel the ball swelling in my throat. Her mom's eyes softened and a sweet grin crept onto Lucy's face, comforting me.
Through the tears, now slipping down my face as if they were on a glistening water slide, I looked at both of them and said,
Lucy's spirit is beautiful, the world needs it. These eight words were a catalyst for a slew of other words
People need Lucy's conversations because they are enlightening and encouraging
People need Lucy's questions because they are thought- provoking
People need to see Lucy's work ethic because it's unmatched by anyone I've ever known
People need to be exposed to Lucy's meekness because her humility helps her grow
................................................................
We need Lucy, the world needs Lucy.
As words waterfalled from my mouth, Lucy's mom nodded her head and Lucy profusely thanked me. It's so much for a 14 year old to hold, the world's thirst, my Lucy, though, gracefully balances the world's water glass.
She has taught me that loving people is seeping into the world and quenching its thirst.
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