This past week I went back to junior high. More specifically, I got to hang out with Mrs. Miller’s eighth-grade English classes. I talked about my writing journey, shared stories from winning the Guideposts contest and even threw in a few writing tips I’ve learned along the way. More than anything, I tried to encourage the students to follow their dreams.
I spoke to three classes the first morning and two the following afternoon. I now have a new respect for teachers. I mean, the kids were great, but I can’t remember a time when I’ve talked so much. Just when I finished one class, in came another! And for heaven’s sake, when do teachers ever have time to go to the bathroom?
As a thank you, Mrs. Miller gave me her copy of Guideposts with each student’s signature adorning the front and back covers. I was deeply touched. But poor Gloria Estefan’s face on the front cover sure took a beating.
I spoke to three classes the first morning and two the following afternoon. I now have a new respect for teachers. I mean, the kids were great, but I can’t remember a time when I’ve talked so much. Just when I finished one class, in came another! And for heaven’s sake, when do teachers ever have time to go to the bathroom?
As a thank you, Mrs. Miller gave me her copy of Guideposts with each student’s signature adorning the front and back covers. I was deeply touched. But poor Gloria Estefan’s face on the front cover sure took a beating.
Then something occurred to me. My picture was also in that magazine! I couldn’t help but wonder how my face fared after passing though the hands of 100 imaginative eighth graders. I flipped through the pages and found my article. How about that! I was completely unblemished.
When it comes to teenagers, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where you stand. But no squiggly mustache? No goofy glasses? Not even a hint of a blackened-out tooth? I’ll take that as a compliment.
Thank you Mrs. Miller – and all of the eighth grade students at Rockridge Jr. High for inviting me to come speak with you! I really enjoyed it.
When it comes to teenagers, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where you stand. But no squiggly mustache? No goofy glasses? Not even a hint of a blackened-out tooth? I’ll take that as a compliment.
Thank you Mrs. Miller – and all of the eighth grade students at Rockridge Jr. High for inviting me to come speak with you! I really enjoyed it.
