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One Of My Kids

It has taken some time for me to write this post. My child has graduated. Yes she's my student. Yes I teach seniors and normally I form relationships during the course of one school year, but this one is different. In the middle of 8th grade she became one of mine. Always in trouble. Arguing with this one or that one. Cursing out teachers. Somehow some way she got on my radar (I have Shelia Moffitt-Hinton to thanks for that) for whatever reason she listened to me and only me. We formed a bond that grew stronger each year. As she made her way through each grade she began to mature a little more. Each year conquering the classes and milestones associated with it. Internship, exhibition night, college, senior project, hard classes everything. She pushed through. And like every other student she did what she was supposed to do, but with a twist. She was a leader. And she was my child. All of the students in her senior class would ask her questions pertaining to college or deadlines because they knew she would know because of our relationship. She's no nonsense. She is so close to Melody and Jaleya and it warms my heart to know that they have a role model in her. Her heart is so big even though she pretends to be a tough girl.  Everyone knows I don't cry at graduations or school events but when I read her name I shed a tear. I'm not going to see my girl everyday. But she's going to Clarion University and WILL walk down that aisle in 4 years and guess who will be there? Me. And I'll be there every step of the way. My Shawna Kelley. I'm so proud of her!

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