Today has been an emotional day. I’m currently sitting in my nearly
empty classroom, save for the bulletin boards and framed posters I have
left on the walls for the next lucky teacher to inhabit room B215. If
these walls could talk, they could tell you more stories than I could
imagine in the 40+ years since they’ve been built. But in this one
single year, when I called this room my second home, there has been
laughter, there have been tears, and there have been extraordinary
moments when young minds grew beyond their capacity to explore the world
that they will one day lead into the next generation.
empty classroom, save for the bulletin boards and framed posters I have
left on the walls for the next lucky teacher to inhabit room B215. If
these walls could talk, they could tell you more stories than I could
imagine in the 40+ years since they’ve been built. But in this one
single year, when I called this room my second home, there has been
laughter, there have been tears, and there have been extraordinary
moments when young minds grew beyond their capacity to explore the world
that they will one day lead into the next generation.
After five years of teaching literature, a subject always near and dear to the depths of my soul, I am hanging up my job title of what my students refer to me as “school mom” to take on the role of a full-time mother that I have so desperately wished to have since my sweet little girl came into our lives. There are millions of inspiring people in this world who can be teachers of my students, but there is only one person who can be my daughter’s mother.
I am beyond blessed to have journeyed down this road that taught me a thousand times more than I have taught my own students. And, as I turn out the lights and close the door on a part of my life that has made me a more understanding, compassionate, and nurturing person to those around me, I know that God has a plan for me. I don’t know if my future will lead back to this chapter or not, but wherever it leads, I know it will be worth following my heart so long as I keep Him above all else.
As I don my robe and regalia to watch the Class of 2014 embark on their new adventures, I can only hope the same for them as I do for myself- to live life without regret and to take every piece of the past as a lesson for the future.

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This was beautiful to read Lauren. I’m so happy that you will get to stay home with your gorgeous baby girl. That is an opportunity that I would jump on if I was ever given the chance. Your students were blessed to have you in their lives!
Thanks Khrystin! I was so blessed to have them in mine too. Financially, staying home with Olivia is terrifying, but it will definitely be worth it. 🙂 Maybe one day you’ll get the opportunity too. You never know.