Education: The Ultimate Sacrifice | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Education: The Ultimate Sacrifice

True heroes mold lives.

11
Education: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Tara Ellis Mendoza

It’s that time of year again.

Parents everywhere are running back and forth between sales, stocking up on school supplies and forcing kids into dressing rooms because they seem to have grown five inches over the summer, requiring new jeans. Upon arriving home, they're tucking their kids into bed early and praying that they can fix their sleep schedule before the first day of school.

Meanwhile, your child’s future teacher is sitting at her kitchen table hand crafting a personalized name tag for each and every one of her students she’s expecting on Monday morning.

The upcoming season's coaches are taking in hours of film preparing themselves for any possible roster combinations.

Teachers everywhere are spending hours upon hours in their classrooms preparing, only to go home and spend even more time perfecting their lesson plans for the upcoming year.

Principals and Administrative members are tucking their kids into bed, grabbing their keys and driving to the school to get some "quick" last minute paper work done.

These educators are missing out on family time and skipping meals as they busily try to prepare themselves so that each and every one of their students feels at home in their school district.

And on the night before the first day of school, as your child stands in front of his/her closet trying to choose the perfect outfit for the the perfect first day back, a teacher stands in front of a mirror, trying to do the same.

As you drop your kindergartener off at the door with tears in your eyes, his teacher is there to take his hand.

When your seventh grader jumps out of your car as fast as she can and “cooly” walks to the front of the school, you smile because you get a break. You enjoy a bit of a laugh as you watch her principal greet her and playfully tell her she looks a little sleepy. Although she may not admit it, her day is already better because of that acknowledgement.

While your senior is praying his crush may notice him, the teachers are waiting throughout the classrooms and the halls - praying that things go smoothly.

Just like you and your children, educators around the world are feeling a million different emotions while anticipating the return of the school year.

It's important to remember that our educators are human.

They feel emotions just as we all do. They go through excitement when their classroom finally looks the way they want it, and a little bit of remorse for the end of their summer vacation.

They are stressed by trying to not only teach their students, but also help them pass tests with unreasonable standards.

They laugh at the jokes told throughout the year, and all of the moments they share with their coworkers over lunch.

They shed tears when their school district goes through painful times, and celebrate when it excels.


Just like everyone else, these teachers battle things outside of their job as well. While it’s easy to assume a teacher’s life revolves around classrooms, it’s important that we remember they deal with other daily challenges just like the rest of us. They have priorities waiting for them outside of their school district’s doors. They go home and they cook dinner and they sit down and deal with bills just like every other adult.

They juggle relationships, finances, sicknesses, extra necessities, home upkeep and many other things outside of their job.

They are not immune to life’s struggles, and even though they share job goals and responsibilities, they don’t necessarily share the same responsibilities throughout their personal lives. The important thing is that when they enter their school they wipe that all away and focus on one common goal – the students.

These educators show up to their jobs everyday, and despite anything going on outside of work, thehave one thing on their mind – to teach and grow their students. Whether it be in the classroom or on the field, these educators instill wisdom and confidence in their students. They fill these kids with skills they’ll use in their future workforce and memories they’ll share with their families in years to come. They show them that nothing is impossible, that the students who have so little, can accomplish so much, and that even when you come from a lot, you’re not immune to failure. Most importantly, no matter where you come from, failure is okay. In fact, failure in inevitable. Day by day, educators pick their students up and help them defeat insecurities, both individually and together as a classroom or a team. These years that students spend in school are years that often shape their lives. Educators step boldly into a spot that leaves an impact on every student they interact with.

So with all the stress of school starting up, don’t forget to say a quick prayer for the educators in your district. Remember to remind your kids that respect is a must in the classroom. When you’re shopping for supplies, grab an extra set of dry erase markers or a couple of glue sticks. Always remember to thank an educator, whether it be with your voice or through your actions. Their job is not easy and should never be underestimated. They deserve not only respect for what they do, but even praise. Don't take the people who help to mold your children for granted. Educators sacrifice a lot to make the most of what they do. Be mindful to thank them for what they do, because at the end of their day - no matter how hard it may have been, educators will insist that they're the lucky ones and that, in my opinion, says it all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179641
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6756
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452153
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23107
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments