A Year of Resilience

After the last kid left and I walked up to our space in old town Pasadena I saw my principal and just lost it. My body released all the things I was holding inside of me. I am at once relieved. Sad. Ecstatic and scared.

Because although this year is behind me, the road to recovery is long with no light in sight. Altadenans have lost so much and there is still so much uncertainty. A student who lost their home will not be coming back next year because the fire forced them to move far away. Her mother and I cried at pick up.

We have lost so much. We have been through so much. It still feels so surreal. I have never been more proud of myself than I am in this moment. Because although I lost so much I found the strength and will to come and be there at a time when my community needed me the most.

And so I will return. And little do these fourth graders know that a surprise awaits them next year. As I will continue to be there for them as a fifth grade teacher.

The world is full of uncertainty but of one thing I am sure, my place in this fight is right here. In Altadena. I’m not going anywhere. At least I hope…. Bc although we find ourselves at an end of sorts it is also a time to imagine something new. Something better.

Thanks bookstagram for all your support this year. This community has given me so much. May your summer be filled with resistance and strength. I am here. With you. In community.

#iteachfifth #summerbreak #altadena #teacheronbreak