Blast from the Past – Connection as Lifelong Learners

So the other day I found myself invigilating a Grade 12 IB Maths exam. I am not the usual invigilator, in fact this is my very first one. The normal invigilator could not attend due to family reasons so I got the nod as a last minute stand in. I teach grade 1. I learn with young children. As I sat in the classroom watching and listening to the adolescence outside waiting to enter the exam area, looking nervous it took me back to 1989. Yes, my high school graduation year. I was in your shoes once.

As I watched the Class of 2012-wow just saying that makes me feel a bit, well you know…..2012! Some of these kids before me started their education at this same school in Pre K. Now they are finishing. Very soon my own daughters will be these kids. Full of life, full of excitement. So here these kids are, this one moment in time and their high schooling journey nearly over. I remember my last high school exam, English Literature 12. I loved that class. Had such an engaging teacher who would dress up and play a part of a character from literary novels. His impromptu outburst made those words on a page come alive for me. It changed the way I see literature in my life today. Most of all- it was memorable. Which is what school should be. However the reason I recall this particular exam so clearly is that it was a rite of passage. Sure, I was going to uni with many more exams to come but this exam was special. It was significant. It was the LAST exam of my high school life.  Of course back in 1989 it was just another test and I was glad to be done with part of me feeling relief, another a bit of sadness and I embarked on a new journey. It was over. For me school was fun. The academics, social life, sports and music. Thinking back maybe that’s what drew me back into education so many years later.

So I sat and watched these kids from the Class of 2012, I can still see myself sitting there, thinking, writing excited and nervous. I hope the class of 2012 feel proud of themselves and one day when they reflect on their school experiences have positive memories to take and share throughout their lifetime. The years ahead will be filled with choices and very real consequences.Even though I teach in elementary school, I got to know some of you through sports. Even though I am much older than you, we all share one important connection:

The connection as lifelong learners.

Here’s to the bright future ahead- The Class of 2012