It all started with…Swedish Fish! A farewell from a teacher to his students.
By: Bradford Rodgers
Tags: Christianity, Life Lessons, Education

A letter I wrote and read to my 7th grade students on our last day of school this year:

To my 7th graders:

As this year comes to a close, I find myself experiencing a wide array of emotions. I am excited about summer…but I am also sad that you are all moving on. This year has been one of the most memorable teaching years I have ever had. That’s all thanks to you guys. You are ALL a special group of students and you have impacted my life in ways that I am not able to effectively communicate.

Many times we think that the teachers are the ones who change the students lives, and in many cases that’s true. However, there are many times that the student or students change the teacher’s lives, and that’s true in my case. It is vitally important that you know how great you are and what I witnessed through you this year.

It started with Swedish fish! You demonstrated your ability to freely give to another person and show love when you gave me Swedish fish all because you knew that I liked them. Something as simple as that made me realize that you are wonderfully kind. Then, you allowed me to be myself. You allowed me to joke with you and let my guard down and have fun in class. When it was time to be serious, you handled it well and responded to my requests. I challenged you guys and you excelled. You didn’t buckle and give up when you were put to the test. Through the challenges, requests and stress I deliberately placed on you, I was able to witness growth in you! You have developed into more mature, independent students and individuals. Your growth far exceeds any state test score. You grew in the areas of life that truly matter. As a class, we grew together.

Together, we learned about heartache when we lost people we cared about and loved this year. You learned that in order to get through the hard times, you have to be able to lean and depend on others to help you through. We also learned that life goes on and that those we lose want us to keep moving forward; continually striving to be the best version of ourselves. The best way to honor the life of someone you lose, is to live your life to the fullest, always making sure that they are smiling down, proud of how you are living in their absence.

Together, we supported one another to become better. You guys cheered your classmates on to become better students. You competed with one another in a kind and friendly way to have the best scores on tests. If someone did better than you, you didn’t become bitter. Instead you clapped and gave them praise! It was an honor for me to witness those events.

Lastly, I need you to know that each one of you is perfectly equipped to accomplish whatever you dream of in life. You are not an accident. You were created with a purpose! A purpose you may not be aware of yet…but you have a purpose. Each of you has been designed to do something great. Don’t ever lose sight of that even during your darkest days. Always tell yourself, “I am worthy! I have a purpose! I am doing great things.” Each of you has a value far greater than ANY dollar amount. No one can put a price on your worth. You are so valuable, that God sacrificed His Son for you. Never believe the lies that other people will tell you in this world. Don’t give in to the lies that tell you that you are “worthless, stupid, ugly, no good, a waste, poor, and not worth it.” You are none of those things! You are all, “CHAMPIONS, BLESSED, GIFTED, TALENTED, SUPREME, LOVED, WORTHY, and LIFE GIVING!”

My request of you is that you live your life to the fullest! Always give the other person grace and forgiveness. Lastly…GIVE! Give to anyone and all. Always know that I have your backs and that I appreciate you for who you are more than you will EVER know!

Thank you for this year and everything you have given me!!!