We're now well into the fall season here in Mississippi. Leaves are finally changing and we're having the occasional 30 degree morning. School has now been in long enough for me to know the personalities of most of my students, the ones who don't skip class that is. One thing I've noticed is it is hard not to develop favorites. Some students are really great to have day in and day out, while other kids are just less amiable. The interesting thing is that your favorites aren't always the ones who make the best grades, or even act right for that matter. On one hand, you'd love a classroom full of kids who come in quietly and get straight to work, but on the other hand, the occasional ornery one makes things a little more interesting. That said, it is kind of hard to pinpoint a favorite student. I have one girl who is sweet, diligent, quiet and very bright; I would call her a favorite. On the other hand, I have a student who is loud, obnoxious, foul-mouthed, and not particularly bright, and I would honestly call her a favorite as well. Both make me laugh in different scenarios and both make teaching worthwhile and interesting. Girl one, for example, has so much potential. She's very bright and has a great work ethic, so she could go on to a four-year institution and actually get out of the Delta culture that stifles so many. Girl two, on the other hand is not nearly as bright or driven. She is quick to quit on things when confused and will probably not attend any institution of higher education (if she graduates). She is funny though, in a ridiculous, I can't believe you just said that kind of way, and has found a way to curse and fight her way into my hardened teacher heart.
Students of all shapes and sizes walk in and out of my classroom. These are just two and for all the personality that they both bring, there are roughly 88 more like them under my instruction. Hate it or love it, no two days are ever the same.
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