Just Thinking...

As the school year winds down, I can't help but think about my students and what I've done (or not) for them this year. It has been a long and pretty challenging year. I can't say that I'm sad to see it end, but I really do like what I do! Tomorrow, I go to my first class of KIPPsters' 8th grade graduation. I have a slue of questions running through my little head. Did anything I taught them stick? Are the living with integrity? Are they setting and achieving their goals? Did I have any real impact?

While thinking about all of this on the way home, Brenden was able to put it into perspective for me. We drove up to a red light and stopped to see a young man holding a sign. Brenden asked if he was selling something or was he homeless. Whew, took my breath away! Bren said that if he was hungry, then we should give him something. Such a simple philosophy really. Brenden and I had a great discussion about helping each other when times get tough. We started talking about people in general when I realized what I was being told to do. Help people! Yes, I have been trying to help the earth by using canvas bags and recycling, but what have I been doing to leave a lasting impression on the people? I tried to reassure myself that I do help by working with the kids that I see everyday, but is it enough? Am I teaching Brenden life lessons in compassion? What else can I do? These are the thoughts that are fueling a new desire to find out what I can do to improve the lives of those people around me.
What are you doing?