“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;”

Romans 12: 6-7

Dear Daughter, 

I’ve been searching for a specific photo…

BUT

I cannot find it!!!

I can see it so clearly (in my mind,) pasted there between the clear pockets of a photo album.  Yet no matter how often I flip through all the many pages, of the many accumulated binders cataloging the 30+ years of our family’s lives’, the image has yet to JUMP OUT to say –

“HERE I AM!!”

So instead, I will have to take out my description ‘brush’ and paint it for you…

to see if you can imagine the beautiful moment captured then!

The photo is of you, my daughter, playing the role of ‘teacher’ with your 2 brothers as students.  You were probably only (around) 7 or 8 years of age, at the time. The boys sat dutifully, ages 9 and 5, at the 2 metal school-house desks we had in our basement, with their eyes glued on you.  You stood confidently in front of them, ponytail tightly pulled back, with a stack of papers in hand; and despite the holly-hobby pajamas & neon pink feathered boa around your tiny neck, you could easily see how self-assured you were  instructing them.

Fast-forward many photo-albums and ‘pretend teacher-lessons’ later…

And so it was of no surprise then, when you boldly announced during junior year of high-school, that you would be applying to only Universities known for their teaching programs; most specifically those Schools with a strong dedication toward the instructional needs of students with Intellectual Disabilities.

 

 

 

St. Bonaventure University c/o2012

These past 5 years, since when you first began living out your teaching dream – have produced so many beautiful images that have been captured and catalogued and now join the photo-album pages.

 

 

 

First Year Teacher!

Your passion for teaching, your dedication for the integrity of every student has inspired all those fortunate to surround you.  And I know how truly blessed you feel to have been given the opportunity to work beside each one.

I have been amazed by your faith and trust to whole-heartedly following your dreams; with the determination to pursue every avenue to improve the quality of your student’s high-school experience.

 

 

 

INTEGRITY – BELIEF – FAITH – PASSION – DIFFERENCE – LOVE – RESPECT – INCLUSION

 

 

As I’ve listened to all the heart-felt comments said to you as you depart this very special place, where your dreams first began to take shape, (RAM Pride) – I know you will take this same “passion for teaching,” which has been born in you and wrap it lovingly into your new Tiger-Students.

And I can only imagine how beautiful the photos will be capturing this next journey in education you’re about to begin…

(sans the holly-hobby pajamas and neon-pink boa around your neck.)

hugs n’ blessings to all those following God’s plan and pursuing their dreams…because they do come true!

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. – Psalm 32:8

Spread the word to end the word! No more R word.

FAN Quest!