Reason #64 Delays are always good…really they are!

The news found out about our Wall on Tuesday and wanted to come Wednesday. My principal was able to delay them until Thursday. With only three days since the “grand opening” of our Wall, we still had more work to do.  I was living in a surreal world where I was outside before school, between all classes, at lunch, and even afterschool.  Not only was I outside, but I was learning such amazing things about everyone in our community.

After writing about 5 pages in my journal to “clarify” my ideas for the interview, I practiced with a friend on the phone on the way to school.  His advice to “just be yourself” and “You have been jumping every time you talk about this to me and they will feel that energy too. Just share from your heart” was helpful.  I just didn’t want to jump too much for tv.

When I got to the Wall, my students came out with the principal and they were all upset that the interview was delayed until Friday.  I was almost jumping for joy. Not that I was happy they weren’t coming, but happy that we had another day to prepare. That meant we could bring in the international students, finish the stencils, and put up our hand prints!!  Yes!

My students were very surprised by my response. I simply told them that, based on many things I have experienced in the past year or so, delays have always been in my favor. There are always good things to come out of a delay, even if you don’t know what it is right away.  Just wait because you will. 

So we were able to add international languages…our goal is to include every language spoken at our school! We need to celebrate our diversity. It is what makes us so special!

We were also able to add handprints….even my seniors somehow managed to put theirs 8 feet up in a spot not in my plan for handprints.  Didn’t someone tell me there is beauty in imperfection? All students who help will add theirs to the wall. We will watch our community of creators grow and grow. We also made a call for help with duct tape on the wall and a sign for all the social media connections.

If these aren’t reasons enough, Claire came running over to me later in the day and said “Hey Miss….I got my permission slip to have signed. That is a good reason for a delay!” Little did she know then that she would be interviewed individually and share her voice with the world!  Bonus good reason!

They do listen to me sometimes…

That is why I teach!