My hopes for you...

Dear Students,

You did it! I am so proud of all the work that you have completed this semester. On the brink of summer, I know it’s difficult to mentally take stock of all that you have invested in your education this semester. I want to help us do that for a minute. 

Let’s start with how you entered this room back in January. You came into this class with goals, with enthusiasm, with determination to succeed, and with a readiness to roll up the proverbial sleeves and do the work required to pass English II. You have written multiple papers, read multiple books, answered countless questions of the day, studied 100 vocabulary words, had discussions with multiple dance partners, written in your journal over 18 weeks, and completed various projects. You have grown so much. Well done! 

Now, as you look to a time of rest this summer and a new school year in the fall, I want to share a few hopes for you as a student (and almost former student). 

Number one, I hope you embrace writing as a tool to help you unlock what is in your mind and in your heart. May writing give you the ability to connect with other humans about the human condition.  May you never let anyone tell a single story about you, but rather use the creative brain that you’ve been given to write your story with authenticity, power, and beauty. 

Number two, I hope you genuinely learn to love to read. It’s not a gimmick, books are awesome! I hope you discover that for yourself. Find the kind of books and authors you really resonate with and have fun reading.

Number three, I hope you don’t stop noticing. Stay awake to the world around you; notice what’s real and valuable. It’s only once you recognize the beauty around you that you can be thankful for it, protect it, and value it. If you do this, you also might be a poet.

Number four, I hope you share what’s good. When you have something good, let somebody else enjoy it with you. This world becomes a little bit brighter and a little less lonely when we share the good that we have.

Number five, I hope you continue to work hard; don’t sell. Some of the best things in life are on the other side of really hard things. This takes resilience, determination, and even trial and error. Be solution-oriented. You can’t take a shortcut through these hard life lessons. Face them! 

Number six, I hope you find your people. When you do, fight for your people and love your people. Ask for help when you need it. Be humble and kind—you’ll never regret it.

So, dear students, as I send another group of you out into the next step of your journey, it has been a pleasure to spend this time with you. I’m honored to be a small part of your life. I believe in you and in your ability to bring light into dark places. Enjoy your summer. You’ve earned it!

Much love, 

Mrs. Griz