Spending these past 10 days with you all has been a life-changing experience. I would like to take some time, as I sit in this Super 8 Motel in Fort Sumner, to say a little something to each and every one of you. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to have spent with you all. I have gained so much as a teacher, a mentor, and a fellow human being. You have all touched me in some significant way that shakes me to my core.
Gary: you must be, by far, the coolest dude I have ever met. Thank you for sharing your stories with me on the open road. Thank you for driving us all over the desert, and for taking us to the movies... twice. Haha. I will never forget the warmth and genuine kindness you have shown us on this trip.
Dave: I wish I knew you better before this Unit. You are an amazing educator, someone who really thinks about what we should be doing and why we should be doing it. You are real with the kids, and that has shown me to be more real, too. Please keep in touch next year.
Christian: What an incredible young man you are. I have never met such a respectful, honest, and genuine high schooler before. You blow me away. You are not just kind because it's what you should do... You are kind because you genuinely care. Thank you for sharing your gifts of song, humor, kindness and compassion with me on this Unit.
Malcolm: You have wonderful insights into other people. Although you are at times quiet, it is your constant inquisitive nature that strikes me. Thank you for sharing your interests with me. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you.
Hayley: Thank you for your laughter, deep compassion and kindness throughout this trip. You have shared some of your loves with me... Such as hiking... And I truly hope that we will remain in contact wherever your life takes you. Thank you.
Maggie: I'm not going to lie, I see myself in you a little. Haha. You are crazed with laughter and joy, yet remain respectful and insightful. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to let go and laugh, and enjoy what we have all experienced together on this incredible journey. I know I have only known you for 10 days, but I will miss you terribly next year. Please keep in touch, and stay true to who you are and what you believe in always.
Natalie: I have really learned how sweet, caring, funny, and eager you are on this trip. I know I had you in class, but nothing compares to the imprint you have left on me here. Your honesty and devotion to doing what is right makes me reflect on my own thoughts and behaviors. Thank you for talking to me as a person. I have learned a great deal from you, and I hope you have learned from me too.
Jake: Ms. Summers said you were awesome, but she had it all wrong... You are way more than that. Our conversations in the Canyon de Chelly really opened my eyes to who you are. I cannot thank you enough for just being yourself. You are so incredibly talented and genuinely caring, honest, funny, and insightful. There were times on this Unit, I'm not gonna lie, that I felt exhausted, drained, and like I just had enough... But all I had to do was look at you and see the fire in your eyes and the love you had for all that you were experiencing in order to wake up and realize the amazing opportunities and experiences that lay right in front of me. Thank you.
Jess: first of all, your name rocks. Haha. But seriously... I knew you were awesome when I had you in class, but spending time with you on this Unit has been amazing. You have shown me your love of nature, life, laughter, and joy. I know there must have been times on the res that you felt drained, dirty, and... well, maybe just didnt want to be there anymore... but you still dove straight in with this passion to learn and grow. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Liv: Although you may appear to be quiet on the outside, you have spoken loudly and clearly through your actions on this Unit. After reading your blog earlier, I found myself choking up. You have gained so much from this incredible experience, and I want you to know that I have gained a lot too. Thank you for coming on this Unit and being a part of it.
Sophie: this week has been particularly difficult for both of us. I know we have not spoken about it to each other, but I want you to know how much I genuinely respect, admire, and honor you for keeping a smile on your face and going through this Unit with laughter and interest. The other night at dinner you almost made me spit my drink across the table more than twice. You are a very courageous and fun-loving person with so much to give, and I thank you for sharing that with me.
Laura: I did not really know you before this, but I am so glad that I know you now. Sometimes I look at students from Gill who get involved with community service, etc, and I ask myself... Are you doing this for the resume or because it is your calling? You have a calling. You have shown me a part of yourself that wants to give without a need for reward. You would spend time getting to know everyone, including me, and sharing yourself and all your gifts with us. Thank you for coming on this Unit.
Nick: although Hodge nicknamed you Billy Sky because of your last name, he has done so aptly. You do reach for the stars. You have surprised me time and time again on this trip with your talents, insights, and laughter. Thank you for being a part of this fantastic journey.
Emily: I did not really know you before this Unit, but I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to get to know you. We have a great deal in common, and I have enjoyed learning from you. Your latest blog made me smile so wide. I am so happy you came on this trip.
Hannah: thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you outside of the classroom. You have so many ideas, insights, and different perspectives. I feel like you have grown a great deal on this trip, and I know that I have grown from spending time with you too.
And I have saved the best for last...
Tammy: Words cannot express my gratitude. You are truly one of the most beautiful and inspiring person I have ever met. I know that I have gained so much from my experiences on this incredible journey with my students and fellow teachers, but I am truly grateful for having been given the opportunity to meet and learn from you. You have taught me the value of listening and patience. I have been humbled time and time again in your presence. You are the rock to this Unit. You have provided so much for so many these past 10 days... and all the days up to this in the planning and preparations. When you introduced me as your fellow colleague to Evelyn, I found myself almost near tears. Thank you for accepting me into this sacred space that is your life. Thank you for showing me the beauty in things I have overlooked. Thank you for this opportunity. No matter where our paths may take us, I hope to always stay in touch.
Thank you everyone for your warmth, generosity, and compassion. Thank you all for your laughter and joy. Thank you all for listening and for speaking. I cannot possibly express my sincere gratitude.
Love,
Jess
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