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As you know, it was anti-bullying week at our school. This is a topic that hits close to home for me and it is one that I take incredibly seriously. Middle school was personally such a tough time for me as a student; I used to tell family members and friends that I would never step foot inside a middle school again. How did I end up as a 6th grade teacher then? Life is funny that way! When I was young, being "different" was not accepted the way it is today. As the only vegetarian in my school, certainly no one at the time said, "Wow. That's cool." I hid my Harry Potter glasses for fear of looking like a nerd. I didn't smile much for fear of people judging my braces. I didn't talk much because I didn't think that what I had to say was that important. My family saw one person and my teachers saw a watered-down version of the person I truly was. I was a hard-worker, but I was extremely quiet between the hours of 7:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. I showed up to school but tried to hide in the back of the room where I'd hopefully go unnoticed. I could've used Annabeth's invisibility cap! On the bus, I'd sit behind the bus driver so I wouldn't get gum stuck in my hair or be called names; I wasn't always successful. Some days, even the loudest music on the radio couldn't block out the bullies. I eventually realized that every day that I tried to hide, the bullies won, and I was tired of losing.
Why do I share such a personal story? I've made a pact with myself to be as honest as I can about the issues that matter. Sometimes when you struggle (with any issue--not necessarily being bullied), I think it's hard for you to recognize that other people have struggled in the same way. As your teacher, I try to bring out the best in you. I try to make it so that you know that there is always an adult in this building (and certainly more than one!) who cares about you--who has been through similiar situations. I try to let you understand that your words and actions matter. I don't like when students try to hide who they are or what they feel. It's healthy for you to express and accept yourself--as long as you're not hurting anyone, including you.
Although you may not do your homework all the time or study for every quiz, at the end of every day, I reflect upon how lucky I am to share my classroom with a group of genuinely good people. I can't be invisible in front of you. You push me to be my best, and in turn, I will push you to do the same. We're in this together.
Stay cool. Stay you.
-Ms. Sanford