Last Day

Today was officially my last day being a high school writing teacher in American Samoa. I had such mixed feelings getting ready for work this morning. I was excited for one, because I promised the kids if they received a 27/30 or higher on their final essay, id throw them a pizza party. Low and behold, they all stepped up to the challenge!! Not one 26/30 out of the entire class! I kept to my word and we had pizza, soda, and watched a Movie for the last day. I chose "Freedom Writers" as our movie, haha! I thought it was fitting being that I'm their writing teacher. They loved it! Which was all that mattered. :)

 I told them how much they meant to me and how proud I was of them. They have come SUCH a long way! During the entire semester, I had them write over 10 college level essays! Can you believe it? I wanted them to gain confidence in their writing. I didn't want them to feel fear when their future  teacher assigned them an essay. To help boost their writing confidence, I made them all "Master of Writing" certificates. I even had the principal sign it! ;) I lamenated them and delivered it to them like diplomas. Hahaha! They had the biggest smiles. We all hugged after and they all told me how much they would miss me. One of my students gave me the prettiest bracelet. I felt like crying! I'm not good with goodbyes. I drove away PHS thinking, this quite possibly is the best, most enjoyable job I have ever done in my life. I feel so fulfilled. I never got up wishing I didn't have to go to class. I came to work eager and excited to help aid these kids in the right direction. I hope I served as a role model to these amazing teens. That alone, makes moving to Samoa all worth it. <3