I've been thinking a lot lately about the hearts in each of my students. The place where they store all of their emotions; the place that impacts their learning more than anything else. These precious complex bundles that I get the opportunity to spend time with on a regular basis teaching them something that I think they will need to know for the rest of their lives. How much do I value them?
I have been faced with an overwhelming love for my students once again. I come to a place of tears as I wish them goodbye. I can't help but get choked up during this time. My students recently celebrated their Christmas Recital. All eight of them were nothing but wonderful! I was so touched by their talents and abilities. What an amazing opportunity I have had to teach them the violin! What a wonderful pleasure it has been to come alongside them for these past years and be a mentor in their little lives. I will miss them so much.
So, as I begin a new phase, moving into my student teaching in a little over two weeks, I think about what is to come... I wonder if I could love my next students any more than I have loved these ones. I wonder if there is enough room in my heart for the new children that I get the opportunity to spend the next four months with. Somehow I know that this place will be found. The next boys and girls will make their imprint on me. I can't wait to meet them!
All in all, I have no new discoveries from teaching violin these past three years except to say that if I truly didn't care about the souls in each of my children and have their best in mind, I don't believe that they would have been as successful. I do believe that teaching is going to be one of the most fulfilling professions I will ever pursue in my life. I am so excited!
