When it's all worth it

There are many stressful moments in teaching...like periods 2, 3, 4, & 5 when I have all 6th graders.  There are many deep breaths going on during those classes!  I mean - they're such nice, kind, helpful, enthusiastic kids. But a little on the immature side this year - they need a lot of direction and I feel like a broken record when it comes to instructions.  But they're fun.  My favorite class this year is the 7th & 8th grade chorus.  Part of this is because the 8th graders were 6th graders my first year teaching.  So they will always have a special place in my heart.  But I know them best as well.  And they know me best.  They are great kids.  One girl in particular had a rough year last year.  She was really down on herself and lacked a lot of self confidence.  As a result, she got behind on all her school work so her other teachers and parents were coming down hard on her.  It affected (effected?  I never get that rule right) her whole personality.  So at the end of the year, I sat down to talk with her and really pumped her up about singing and music.  And stressed the importance of keeping up with all her school work.  We set out a plan for this year and I told her I was going to check in with her on all classes, not just music.  When I made the off hand comment "You're not a stupid person, you just got behind and made some poor decisions", she responded with, "You don't think I'm stupid?"  Really?  I felt awful for her.  So right from day one this year, I check in with her once or twice a week about things that are not related to music or chorus.  She's feeling great about herself and she's even auditioning for the honors festival.  I'm praying she makes it so she can feel like she accomplished something great.  Well, today after chorus she came up to me and said, "Today in guidance I was asked what I want to study when I'm in college, and I said I wanted to be a music teacher like Ms. Murray because she has inspired me in a lot of ways - not just with music."  It would be at this point that my heart melts and I go to give her a hug and she said, "Thank you so much.  I love you!"  That's when it's worth it. There are many incredibly frustrating things in the education field and many times like I feel politics prevent me from doing my job well. I will never reach every kid.  I will never be able to make every kid feel good about themselves.  But man, it feels good that I got one!