Can't Wait to Jump In!

My students become my teacher and help me take a risk. 

I can hardly believe that the summer is almost over! In just a few days I will meet the next batch of individuals will fill my days with laughter, breakthroughs, and success for the next nine months. Soon the summer will be over and we will all be asking each other the question: "How was your summer?"  As I sit here reflecting upon how I will answer that question I realize that it all boiled down to one moment. One split-second that thankfully was caught on camera. My answer?: My summer was spectacular, because this summer I wasn't a teacher. I was a student.

Here's the story of the snapshot that defined my summer:
In July, I was a chaperone on a summer adventure trip. We took a dozen Hastings students to Tennessee, Kentucky,Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio. We camped, hiked, went white-water rafting, saw Tecumseh, and more.  We also found the rock pictured above. That's me in the middle holding my nose for dear life. I spent the previous 15 minutes perched above that rock unable to get my body to jump even though my brain was screaming for me to just do it. The two other individuals plummeting to the water along with me are former students. Students who saw my trepidation and quickly assumed the role that I so often assume in the classroom. They became my coaches--saying things like, "Come on, Mrs. Lloyd, you can do it!" And they used my own words against me, shouting: "Come on, Mrs. Lloyd, be a risk taker!"  They even agreed to jump in with me so that I wouldn't have to face the plunge alone. If you look at the top of the rock you can see an individual in dark clothes watching my moment of glory. This quiet and reserved former student also took on the role of teacher in that moment. When my fear made me take a step away from the edge he gently placed a hand on my back. He wasn't going to let me escape this one. As I stood on that rock with my stomach literally doing flip-flops as I peered down at the water that seemed miles below I realized that this is what it feels like for students in the classroom. All year I ask them to take risks in their learning. I encourage them to try new things even if they think they may not be able to. I don't let them avoid the challenge.  It was in that moment that I was reminded that we are all in it together. These students were not students at all. They were my partners who wanted me to be successful. They wanted me to be able to experience what everyone else in our group had experienced. So...finally...I jumped in. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I survived!

In a few days we will start our journey as we explore our answers to many questions including, "What is the power of words?"  Soon, I will ask my new batch of students to use just three words to share their thoughts about summer vacation, the year ahead, and more.

My three words about the summer?  I finally jumped! 
My three words for the year ahead?  Take risks together.

I can't wait to see what my new students have to say!  I'm looking forward to "jumping in" to our new year together. Your classroom is ready and waiting!