So I’ve been MIA for 5 days. It’s really hard for me to find that balance between “living my life” and “recording my life.” Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 😉

But I’ve stuck with my new grown-up birthday goals and have reflected on the events of each day – what went well and 2 things that brought me JOY. Let’s summarize the last few days with these joyful events (I’ll probably end up breaking up the events into a few blog posts):

1) Former Students Graduation 

On Thursday of last week, I drove up to LA to attend the graduation ceremony of the school I used to work at. While I wasn’t the “teacher of record” for my particular students, I was a transitional teacher – where I had my own groups of students for each period (basically all the same responsibilities of a teacher with 1/4 of the salary). One of my favorite students (even though I’m not allowed to play favorites) was Valedictorian. He will be attending Loyola Marymount University in the fall (where I got my Masters!) and I could not be HAPPIER for him. This is the same student that got accepted to every Cal State school he applied to (along with several UC schools!). Back in March, his mom sent me a list of schools he got accepted to. She also sent along a note saying that she and her husband were told many negative things about their son when he was diagnosed with autism. They didn’t think he would have a chance at college. And today he he’s a high school graduate – with honors, a Valedictorian title, and the plan to start at LMU in the fall (and also living independently in the dorms!). It brings tears to my eyes every time I talk about it – I’m just so proud of him and all that he’s accomplished.

I’ll leave you with some of my favorite quotes from my students:

“I’ve been to many graduation ceremonies, but never thought that one day I’d be speaking at my own graduation.”

“Our school mascot is the eagle. The eagle represents how we can rise and overcome our individual challenges. Education gives us the freedom to many doors in our future.”

“When I was younger, I was told many negative things about what I could not do and what I will never do. However, I have proved them wrong.”

“Wherever we may go, whatever might happen – these are the best days of our lives and they are the building blocks of our tomorrow.”

“Don’t just reach for the stars. Paint them in the sky.”

Amazing experience. Really grateful for how much my students have taught me and continue to teach me each day. 🙂

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Have you pushed through, worked hard, and done something people thought impossible?

Who inspires you?