Final Cheers

Another day. Another goodbye.

Today I had to wave farewell to the group I've come to love (how could one not fall in love with being cheered every time you enter the room to do theatre?) and enjoy one last class in the Mission.

I spent it with the youngest students and I tried to fill the day with some of their favorite games and activities. We constructed a magic boat to take us to the beach, we read and acted out "Where The Wild Things Are", and took turns picking new animals to become.

At the end of our time I sighed and thanked them for the fun class. Suddenly, they all turned into little adults. One tiny little girl said, "Teacher Ashley, that was a very enjoyable class. I'm sad it's over." and another small boy plainly piped in, "Aw. I will really miss you this summer." My heart expanded to the point of bursting and then they returned to their silly wiggly ways. I brought them back to their teachers as they continued to be dinosaurs. As I walked out, I promised myself that if I found myself feeling sad I simply need to remember my Mission T-Rex cheerleaders as their strength to restore my spirits will never be extinct. Take that dinosaurs.

Don't Let The Rain Get You Down

After yesterday's rainy "Blue Monday", another day of gray weather battled me on my way to school. Since I sadly lost my umbrella, each trip outside has proved to be an uncomfortable undertaking. And I'm not the only one suffering. Matching my own gray mood, everyone at my bus stop came prepared with grumbles and stomps today. When our haven of shelter and warmth was delayed and then forced to pass by without hesitation, as it was completely full to capacity, I thought a riot would ensue. When it happened a second time we all seemed a tad closer to ultimate despair and ready to drown in the downpour.

Third time's a charm though, so my already soaked shoes and I boarded that bus and traveled to school. When I saw my kids (decked out in elaborate rain jackets, umbrellas, and boots that made me wonder if I could still pull off alligator or princess rain gear) they each graced me with a grin. I immediately wondered: how do these kids remain so cheerful in this weather? What is the secret?

So I asked. And a little boy said, "This rain ain't gonna get me down! I like to jump in puddles!" Okay. We're on to something here. While I, and the rest of the adult bus patrons, frown and do our best to avoid the rain, these kids are doing whatever they can to cover themselves in it. They're jumping right in and they're getting over it before it drags them down. To them, the rain is still a magical and fun adventure. And for whatever reason, just knowing that wonderment like that still exists, I found it much easier to trudge along to my next class. Puddles and all.