Someone people trust

I work at an elementary school in my hometown. Today I realized I’m at school for more than just being in the classes I’m in. I saw an incident this morning with a child and their parent. As I listened to what was happening, it brought me back to being that kid and feeling horrible because of how my parent made me feel. I watched the interaction as I was parking my car. I could hear raised voices by the dad. I saw the girl that I have gotten to know well feel absolutely horrible. I walked into my classroom put down my things and went outside to where the child was standing. I bent down to her and she didn’t want me near her. I respected that. I asked her if she could help me in my classroom and she took my hand and came inside. She sat in a chair for about 10 minutes and never said a word to me.

I chatted to her and she was in my kindergarten class last year in this same classroom. Then she started talking to me. We have a breakfast program at our school and I asked her if she had, had breakfast. She said no and I asked her what she liked to eat. So I asked her can we go down to the breakfast program together. She liked that. She then showed me where her cubby used to be and we talked about her in kindergarten. I took her to get some breakfast and I told her if you need me for anything that I’m here for you. I asked her if she wanted a hug. She gave me the biggest hug.

I went and talked to her teacher about what had happened and I know she was very appreciative that I had spent time with the child. This is a child who often comes and gives me hugs. I was glad that even though it was hard to watch that I was there for her. It’s hard when I remember feeling the exact same way that feeling that you are nothing, your no good and being yelled at for reason makes you feel.

Some of the hardest kids at school I have an amazing trust with them. I advocate for all children especially those who stand out from all the others because of their home life or kids picking on them. It’s never ok to be treated like that.

Then in the afternoon another child who when she broke her arm I used to hang out with her at recess. She adores me so much and when her teacher can’t get her to do things I can. Her teacher came to me today and asked me to intervene. I found her wrapped up in her sweatshirt and when I told her it was me. She unwrapped herself and we chatted and then I took her down to music. She told me I don’t see you much and I loved coloring with you. I talked to her teacher and told her that if she does all her work then I would come and color with her. She thought it was a good idea.

I realized that my role at school is huge and that I can be that comfort to those children that need more. Maybe it’s because I’ve been there and I understand. For me at school I sought out people I could trust. It made me feel like I was loved and cared for so much. Even though it hits my heart hard I’m so glad that I’m there at the school. I will continue to be that person that children need. ❤️