Personal Reflection

Since I've begun these activities in class, my outlook on teaching has changed.  I've always loved my job...but the gratifying moments when you know you've made a difference were fewer and farther between. I would come home after a long day and the stories that I shared with friends and families were typically about the most challenging and frustrating parts of my day.

Since beginning this program I would say the biggest difference for me is the stories I bring home.  I now tend to share the most amazing comment that a student shared, the most emotional conversation where a student really opened up to the class and was received with support and compassion.

In the classroom I find that I have stronger relationships with my students and the classroom management issues have declined.  The students seem to be more centered and focused after our "emotional warm-ups", as one of last year's students called them.  The sense of community among the students is overwhelming.  I truly believe that this has the power to change the way these teens interact with the world.