For the past 6 1/2 months I have been working five days a week with special needs students. For the most part I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Seeing as I didn't study special education or education at all in college I really walked into this job as a teacher's aide pretty darn blind. There have been many things I've learned from working day in and day out with these kids but some of them are just tips and tricks to help them learn to the best of their ability but the most valuable lesson I've learned is the compassion that I had inside of me I didn't even know about.
Some days are tough, I'll tell you that. Some days it's hard to get up to work by 7 am with a smile on my face but when I finally get to see a bright and smiling face walking in the cafeteria doors it makes me smile and know its worth it. A simple "hi, Ms. Lacey" or a big hug first thing in the morning at work makes me love my job.
It's crazy how often we don't think of those less fortunate than us when we are trying to count our many blessings and coming up short. There are people everyday who wake up with a smile and keep that smile for the entire day even though they are living the toughest day of their lives and the next day will be just the same. All I can say is don't feel bad for those less fortunate than you, they know something much more than we could ever even fathom. We should look up to these people for their courage.
As I continue this year out I know there will be days where I want to pull my hair out but I can always go to sleep thanking God for putting this job in my path. I may not be doing this for the rest of my life but for now I am going to enjoy every bit of being able to be the reason a child learns something new or the reason they love coming to school!
Happy Ash Wednesday!
