Smiles

Monday night we went to walmart to get groceries. We never go without seeing people we know of course. We had almost finished shopping and we were walking towards the front when this little kid walks by. I know her. Her eyes caught mine and she just stopped. Her eyes got big and a smile came to her face. She started waving. She was within 3 feet of me and she is just waving. I told her hi and smiled. We both kept going. She is in 5th grade now. I know her from when I student taught in her 3rd grade class. Every time I see her she usually runs and gives me a hug. I hadn't seen her in about 6 months so she was hesitant this time. I got so close to this class. I student taught in a 3rd grade class and a kindergarten class. I think my heart is more with the younger kindergarten kids, but I loved being able to build relationships with the 3rd graders. They had full personalities. They could make up jokes, use sarcasm, show emotion. I think I felt like I taught them more because I connected with them more. Something is very satisfying about the fact that 2 years later every one of these kids still know who I am and they still get a big smile on their face when they see me. (Of course that could be because I was the only teacher to play basketball on teams with them at recess!) I can't wait to see the adults they turn into. I hope I get to see that. This was a fun semester. It was a very stressful one, but fun. Just look at the ornery group! I can't help but smile when I see this picture!

P.S. The girl I saw is in the white sweater on the front row. :)