A Letter To My Students

Dear Distant Family,

I miss you all so very much. My heart hurts knowing I might not see you by the end of the year. I miss your voice, your smiles, your laughter, and your interactions with each other. I miss your time, your questions, and the look in your eye when you finally understand something you have been working hard to get. I miss eating lunch with you in the classroom. I miss playing football with you at afternoon recess. I miss seeing you every morning and telling you how proud I am of you at the end of every day. I just miss you.

I know these times are hard and unfair. I know you are missing the classroom and each other. I know you are struggling with doubt and uncertainty. I know you are trying to cope and be okay. I know you are trying to hide your fear and be strong. I know you are feeling distant and not able to have your social needs met. I know you are struggling with unanswerable questions. I know you are trying to manage school, family, and solidarity all at the same time. I know you want things to return to normal; to that I say, hang in there. Things will get back to normal. It may not be when we want, but it will. It is okay to feel the way you do; you are not alone.

I want you to know how proud of you I am. I want you to know that I see so much strength, courage, and passion in each one of you. You have stepped up to the challenge of uncertainty and have taken the rains of responsibility. Keep going. Keep pushing through. Keep being amazing. You have shown how truly amazing each one of you truly are. You have shown your resilience, your steadfastness, your desire to keep doing the right thing. You have shown that no matter what comes your way, you will be successful. I want you to wake up each day and face the challenges that await you, for there is nothing that can stop you. There is nothing that can keep you from succeeding. All you need lies within you. Believe in yourself and never settle for okay. You are amazing!

Finally, I want to encourage you in this time of solidarity and distance. I want you to reflect on who you are and who you want to be. I want you to look in the mirror and be proud of the person staring back at you. You are capable of anything. You can do anything. You are able to overcome any struggles, roadblocks, and uncertainties that come your way. When times are hard, keep doing the next right thing. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Never forget that you are not alone. No matter how long these times of uncertainty last, I will forever be here for you. I am proud of each one of you, and I miss and love you all so very much!

Stay safe, stay strong, and keep putting one foot in front of the other! TOGETHER, WE CAN DO THIS!