This morning I’m floating around feeling idealistic and hopeful for the future. Working with kids will do that to you. I’ve got that Whitney Houston song going through my head, “I believe the children are the future…”

I taught my first Junior Achievement class this morning and it was amazing. I was assigned to a sixth grade class at Wakefield Middle School. Sixth grade… Remember sixth grade? I was in Mr. Olbin’s sixth grade class at Lineweaver Elementary. I remember there were some kids in my class that I thought were so grown up.

They acted so cool and dressed so cool and, well, did everything so cool. And I was so not. I volunteered at the snack bar during lunch and sold pickles. Definitely not cool.

Meeting all those kids this morning, I was struck by how young they are. I sure didn’t feel that young when I was in sixth grade. I had stress and worries. There were issues in my life. Real issues. Like how exactly I was going to get the puff-paint I needed to paint sneakers for our Mini Society project. Issues!

I’m sure the kids this morning had their issues too, but all I could see was how young and curious and wide open they are. They were so excited and happy just to be there. It was like a shot of caffeine to be in the room with them. I’m sure they learned something from me, but I think I got a lot more from them. Every once in a while we all need a reminder that its good — really good — just to wake up and be surrounded by our friends and loved ones every day.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. I know I will!

With love,
Tannya