Being Wanted is Exhausting

...but also very rewarding.

Those of you who know me likely know that I am student teaching this semester. I cannot tell you where, or what level, or what age or anything like that.

For seven hours a day I am in that classroom, and for seven hours a day I am needed...

They tell you during all of your college courses that your students need you, and that your students will look up to you, and will want you to fulfill their basic needs.

You hear your professors saying this...over and over again...and you believe it, but you don't really think anything of it.

Until your first time being in a classroom all day. For 6-7 hours you are in that classroom, for 6-7 hours you are a teacher, and for 6-7 hours...you are needed.

You are needed to make sure the students are ok, that they are safe, that they are fed, that they are learning, that they are behaving, and that they are cared for...you are needed for all of these things...for 30-35 hours a week...

That is a lot of being needed...and needed...and needed.

It is a lot of focus, a lot of speaking, and a lot of giving of yourself to your students

and it is exhausting...

never-mind the fact that you have to go home and plan lessons and grade papers

Basically by Friday all you want to do is put on some sweat pants and fall asleep in front of the television

I imagine that is much how parents feel, except they don't get a weekend.

Even though by the end of the week you are exhausted...there is just something about being needed that can't be beat.

Hearing the words "Build with me," or "I need your help," "I like your shirt," "Please tie my shoes."

Knowing that these students trust you with their learning, but also with their safety...

and seeing their smiles every day.

A simple good morning from a student is enough to make one forget how tired they are, and bring their focus back to the room.

It is amazing how truly wonderful it is to be wanted by my students, to be needed by them, and being able to help them...

and being tired is simply worth it...I wouldn't want to give up working with students for a little sleep...nope not at all