Things we aren't prepared for

I was planning on doing this blog in a nice logical order talking about my first years and then moving on to my present aspirations. But well life happened... In teacher's college they prepare you for many things such as how to manage your classroom, how to write exciting and engaging lessons and how to discuss a child with a parent. But what they don't prepare you for is one of your students dies. I had T as a 7th and 8th grader. He stood out. He was the only "white" kid in the middle school. He had it rough that first year but he was a fighter and he wouldn't give up fitting in. By the middle of the year he had made it he was in with the class even though he was highly religious (not many of the students were) and a voracious reader (once again not many of the students were). But when he graduated from our middle school to go on to high school he was loved by everyone! He stood up for what he thought was right and he would take the fall for someone if he knew he could take it or would be in less trouble than the other. He was a fun student to teach and always had interesting and insightful comments to add to a discussion. Unfortunately his life was cut short. Although if I were to talk to him he would smile his smile and with a chuckle tell me that it was his time and not worry because he is in a better place. It is with knowledge only that I can feel some peace at his young passing. I will miss him incredibly and any time I look at a young adult fantasy I will remember him fondly.