mary van milligen

It’s hard to say goodbye to some classes at semester’s end.  I’ve done it so often, but there are certain classes that squeeze my heart with sadness in saying goodbye.  Today was no exception.

Here’s a letter I wrote to them while they wrote their essays…

Third period,
Where do I even begin?? I’m literally writing (talking) behind your backs right now :). You may or may not be familiar with the famous line where Forrest Gump kindly talks to a stranger as he sits on the now iconic bench and says, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” I immediately think of your class when I recall this line. To start, I really enjoy chocolate, and I know I’ve shared with you all more than once that I’ve really adored your class. It’s also fitting because all of you are so uniquely you residing in the perfectly adorned and wrapped box together. I chose your class when it was time to get observed by Dr. Fuhrer for multiple reasons, but most importantly, I knew that all of you would shine with minimal effort. I even uttered the phrase “we’ve got some really good humans in here” during the lesson, and I meant it. It’s been a pleasure watching all of you own your vulnerabilities, thoughts, concerns, and hopes.

As far as the course, I know we worked on critical thinking, writing, reading, speaking, and more…but did you get the human message? I’m sure you did…but let’s rewind and review.
1. We have these awesome brains that can make incredible choices. We don’t have to blame technology or other scapegoats for our human behaviors. We have options. We have the ABILITY to KNOW better.
2. Celebrate individuality. See that a human is a human is a human. When we sit in ignorance to those that are different than us, we create fear, anxiety, and pessimism. When we knock down the bureaucratic, bogus barriers, we just might find a way to humanely harmonize with a note or two that we never even considered playing.
3. Word Wednesdays- I want you to see the beauty in words. Add more to your vocabulary. It allows you to strengthen communication in all of your future relationships.

Final Thoughts:
You see me as a teacher, but I hope you remember me as more than the expressive lady you were stuck with during third period one semester. I am a human that has aspirations, knowledge, creativity, vulnerabilities, and flaws. I give my students chances because I believe people, for the most part, should be given chances. I am kind, and I smile a lot. I do it for myself, and I do it for you. I continually try to nourish a gratitude garden and sometimes I let storms and weeds attempt to take over, but when I teach kids like all of you, the pests go away and flowers bloom again.

Thank you for allowing me to be a tiny piece of your life!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Van Milligen