Learning to Live

This is a collection of the funny things students have said to me throughout the course of the semester. Chances are you won't think these are as funny as I did, but they are definitely worth a good chuckle. "Ms. Thompson, why do you wear slippers everyday?" (Um, excuse me? These are obviously nude flats.)     Student: "Ms. Thompson, how old are you?"       Me: "21."      Student: "Does that mean you can drink beer?     Different student: "Wow, that's weird you looked 19 up there."     Me: *no response*     Student: "That's so cool, I can't wait until I'm 21. Only 9 more years!"               Homecoming dress up days are interesting: Me: "What Disney character are you?" Student: "I'm the hunter who shot Bambi's mom."  Me: "...."                           After giving 7th graders candy: "...

It's hard to believe that the most amazing and influential semester of my college career is over. This semester was filled with valuable learning experiences, and although it killed my social vibe, I wouldn't trade what I learned and the time I spent with my students for anything. The time I spent in the classroom showed me that I really was born to do this. There were times when it was harder than I ever imagined, but when I was able to watch a concept click in a student's brain, it was all worth it. And the relationships I built with the students were incredible. I know people feel sorry for me because I spent my entire semester with 7th and 9th graders, but the reality is that they aren't all that bad. And we have to remember that we were at the point in our life once too. That point where we don't know who we are or what's happening with our bodies. That point when our biggest concern is who we will hang out with on Friday night. I remember these times wel...