Friendships That Last A Lifetime

Sometimes within my day there are reminders of how heartfelt the connections formed within in my classroom are.

One of my student had a birthday this past week. She was super excited. On Friday a peer mentor who worked in our room last year surprised us by coming over from the High School.

She had to run all the way to make sure she was able to catch the Birthday Girl before she got on her bus.

The thoughtfulness of remembering her Birthday was so special. She brought her a card and wanted to say "Happy Birthday."

My student's face lit up with joy as she saw her come around the corner. It was a peer she had become extremely close to and had bonded with while learning sign language.

My student insisted on opening the card right then, and having me read it to her.

As I read it, I got tears in my eyes. It talked about how much she cherished the opportunity that she had gotten to work with her and that it had changed her perspective of life. She said how deeply she valued their friendship and that she missed seeing her every day.

It is so important for all kids to form connections and friendships! I think we forget and take that for granted sometimes. Interactions such as these show everything I set up this program to accomplish, both for my students, and the peer mentors.