Why even bother?

Dear students-
You might think that teachers are always motivated. We can't possibly understand you and the struggle to stay motivated.
I want to be totally honest with you about how challenging it is to be self-directed, especially when the goals you set for yourself seem to evaporate.

You were working towards 8th grade graduation!

Seniors were working towards high school graduation! 

The events that so many are working towards seem to be disappearing, but I have a question:

Were these really your goals?

Yes, these are milestones and dates that have been on your calendar for a long time but they weren't really the goal.
A celebration is a few hours long and then over. The real accomplishment, the real goal, is the investment that you make in yourself.

I've spent so many hours writing, revising and working on projects this year. Things I've written or created have earned likes and comments but that kind of feedback wasn't the reward for the hardwork. Putting in the time to write, reflect, revise and analyze has been an investment in myself.

Every piece of feedback from my mentors and editors has helped me to clarify my ideas and bring into sharper focus what is really important to me. Every chance I have every day to help a student understand and grow has helped me be a better teacher.

So, why keep working? Why keep completing assignments? Why keep stretching yourself? Why keep asking teachers if you don't understand?

Because you are investing in YOU. Your hardwork will pay off because: 
1. You will feel a sense of accomplishment at completing something
2. You can have confidence knowing you were successful
3. You will prove to yourself that every day is an opportunity to grow.
4. You will discover that curiosity is contagious
5. You will see a world open up to you because learning is a key that unlocks so many doors.


Photo credit: Damir Spanic, unsplash.com