the amazing ones

i just want to round up the cutest and best ones (and their parents).. and ask them why they smile and how they do it. they're happy, content, easy to converse with, excited to learn. they are so amazing.

and for the first time last friday, my heart quivered a little when i realized that i'm not returning next summer. samuel, with his sweet smile, patient soul, and watchful eye over his little brother alexander, waved goodbye to me, and we squeezed in a side hug. he's not coming back for another week of camp this summer... and next year, i won't know how big he's grown or how much sweeter he's become. a few weeks ago, i said bye to darren too, who's graduating (like me?) because he's a rising 8th grader, old enough to share secrets with me and still young enough to get excited about dissections. i only got to see kate once this summer, and i can't bear to think of the last week that natalie is here. i want to wrap her up and take her home, peach, polyps, and all. and anna, and nickb, and chris with his goofy smile and blond mop (only one week too?!). sigh. there are so many of them!

it's true, i love kids. they make my job worthwhile.

kiddos

i'm not entirely sure when, how, or where i decided that i like working with kids. in education. it must've happened unintentionally because as a student of science, i never really thought i'd be a teacher instead. i liked -- rather, loved -- school, but college made me really frustrated, and i think i became jaded with education and schooling: the system, the expectations, the routine. it doesn't fit everyone, it doesn't work perfectly, and it doesn't allow for much variation or differences.

but alas, somewhere along the way, i decided that kiddos were much better for my workday than lab specimens and white coats. and i'm pretty glad that i decided that. it's a rare instance that i make such a significant decision, even one that seemed to have just happened... :)

i had one of the best hour-long conversations with naveen yesterday, about his aphrodite play and the ensuing drama of a 5th grade... drama. and me and daniel sat on the floor for 10 minutes and ate pasta together today. and kate gave me the best "duh" look ever when i asked her what "synchro" was. and dongwoo rolled his eyes because i don't know anything about nintendo ds's. and venus and jared, hoo boy. and i find the tacky wardrobes and bowlcuts SO awesome and reminiscent of my past. last week, tiny amirtha totally blew me away with her excitement about the sheep eyeball, and i discovered -- after much difficulty and hours of grumbles and anger -- that jacob is just a sweet, chubby kid who's trying to learn and fit in... and have enough confidence to start something big. dylan too. they surprise me all the time, and delight, and challenge. and their parents, oh man, their parents too. and it's only the THIRD week so far! well, 3rd week of the 4th year.

and my staff are amazing. they're focused and worried and dedicated and fair and funny and ridiculous. they lead and trail, they support and encourage. and they are freaking hilarious.

summer camp, who knew you were so special...!

oh but i don't think i'll miss the 70-hour weeks.