Marco was the first of many students to leave a lasting impression my first year teaching. His ability to be what I call a "productive-cryer" always seemed to tickle me.
A productive cryer is just that. One who can cry and be productive all at the same time. Although his eyes could be flooding with tears and his mouth be filled with questions like "We going home wight?", Marco always had the ability to finish what was asked of him. For example drawing, which was his favorite.
"Teacher, we gonna go home wight?"
"Yes Marco, we're going home I promise. But please, finish your drawing, OK?"
"Oh-tay teacher, oh-tay...abuuu." (That last one is my written impersonation of what his cry sounded like.)
And just like that, Marco would go right back to doing his work, diligently.
I suppose the right thing to say is that in my five years of teaching, my students have taught me just as much as I've taught them, and that year what Marco chose to teach me was the following:
- It's ok to be afraid of the unknown.
- If you're indeed afraid of the unknown, don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Being scared shouldn't keep you from doing what you love.
- Learn to be a productive cryer.
The last two were particularly helpful when I was trying to balance a full time job and full time college schedule. The first one comes in handy on a moment like this, where for the first time in my personal history I have taken a chance at depositing my thoughts on...a computer screen?
I am not sure how it's done as it is after all something completely unknown to me, but I will do as Marco taught me and ask lots of questions along the way.
