Well, here I am posting about yet another former student graduating from college.
I can't say enough about sweet Rachel. Knowing her as a 16 year old, I was impressed by her thoroughness when completing assignments. I never had to wonder if her work would ever get submitted, and I never questioned if she had really done her best. Rachel was the perfect student: always striving to do better, working ahead instead of always trying to keep up, seeking opportunities to challenge herself, helping others no matter their situation.
I remember she was victim to Mr. Anderson's "Gas Attack" WWI challenge; she didn't have her gas mask while cheering at a ballgame.
I also remember exactly why I gave her a Dog Dollar that one time. I know she remembers why, too! I was so proud to see her release anger and frustration! Sorry, folks. That's an inside story only a few people know, but it's still one of my fondest memories with Rachel.
I forgot to honor her at our awards day ceremony for her ACT test achievement. So, I had to make up for it later.
She was part of the class that worked so hard to throw me a surprise baby shower. I was so surprised, I had to run/waddle quickly to the bathroom! Of course, she was also there to celebrate Izzy's first birthday.
We almost experienced death together, along with Molly, when we visited Northeast State to see Mary Badham.
We celebrated her 18th birthday, Cinco de Mayo if I'm correct, at her prom. Her mother surprised her with a beautiful cake in the middle of the dance floor as everyone sang "Happy Birthday."
Rachel has met with me several times during her college years to interview me about what I think about teaching. Lord, help her if she takes my advice!
I've watched her post the most beautiful pictures from Spain while she completed her student teaching abroad.
I've listened to her enthusiasm and apprehension about the possibility of having her own classroom.
And now, there is this. This one moment that signifies Rachel's rite of passage into adulthood. I've only been around to see snippets of her adolescent years and I'm weepy-eyed. I can't even begin to imagine how bittersweet today is for her parents and her sister.
The one thing that is most impressive about this young lady, and the quality I admire most, is her faith. Because of this, no matter the doubts she has about the future -- where she should go, which job is right for her -- Rachel's faith will lead her in the direction she is supposed to go.
I'm privileged to have had the experiences I have had with this young lady, and I'm so thankful that I know her not just as a former student, but as a friend as well.
Rachel, you are fierce. You are strong. You are brave. Go and seek the best life has to offer. Move mountains if you have to.
Happy graduation day, Rachel! I am so proud of you!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
I can't say enough about sweet Rachel. Knowing her as a 16 year old, I was impressed by her thoroughness when completing assignments. I never had to wonder if her work would ever get submitted, and I never questioned if she had really done her best. Rachel was the perfect student: always striving to do better, working ahead instead of always trying to keep up, seeking opportunities to challenge herself, helping others no matter their situation.
I remember she was victim to Mr. Anderson's "Gas Attack" WWI challenge; she didn't have her gas mask while cheering at a ballgame.
I also remember exactly why I gave her a Dog Dollar that one time. I know she remembers why, too! I was so proud to see her release anger and frustration! Sorry, folks. That's an inside story only a few people know, but it's still one of my fondest memories with Rachel.
I forgot to honor her at our awards day ceremony for her ACT test achievement. So, I had to make up for it later.
She was part of the class that worked so hard to throw me a surprise baby shower. I was so surprised, I had to run/waddle quickly to the bathroom! Of course, she was also there to celebrate Izzy's first birthday.
We almost experienced death together, along with Molly, when we visited Northeast State to see Mary Badham.
We celebrated her 18th birthday, Cinco de Mayo if I'm correct, at her prom. Her mother surprised her with a beautiful cake in the middle of the dance floor as everyone sang "Happy Birthday."
Rachel has met with me several times during her college years to interview me about what I think about teaching. Lord, help her if she takes my advice!
I've watched her post the most beautiful pictures from Spain while she completed her student teaching abroad.
I've listened to her enthusiasm and apprehension about the possibility of having her own classroom.
And now, there is this. This one moment that signifies Rachel's rite of passage into adulthood. I've only been around to see snippets of her adolescent years and I'm weepy-eyed. I can't even begin to imagine how bittersweet today is for her parents and her sister.
The one thing that is most impressive about this young lady, and the quality I admire most, is her faith. Because of this, no matter the doubts she has about the future -- where she should go, which job is right for her -- Rachel's faith will lead her in the direction she is supposed to go.
I'm privileged to have had the experiences I have had with this young lady, and I'm so thankful that I know her not just as a former student, but as a friend as well.
Rachel, you are fierce. You are strong. You are brave. Go and seek the best life has to offer. Move mountains if you have to.
Happy graduation day, Rachel! I am so proud of you!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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