When Given Lemons, I Make Them Into Lemonade

I found this quote and fell in love. Literally. It stirred my heart reminding me of how blessed I am with seeing my dream come true everyday starting at 7:50am when my nine year olds walk into my classroom.

"The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” To stress his point he said to another guest; “You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?” Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, “You want to know what I make? Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can’t make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube, or movie rental... You want to know what I make?” I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. “Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?”- Nancy Turner

Gives you chills? If it doesn't, then I don't know what will. Maybe the challenge of trying on a pair of teaching shoes would.

Favorite Quote So Far This Year: "Miss Chambers, you REALLY need to work on getting a husband. You aren't going to have that pretty face forever."