My children; and no I don't mean my actual children, I mean the kids that I've watched grow over the years at my child care facility. These children of mine have inspired me, they've made me realize that I want to be a teacher one day and how I want children of my own someday. These children hold such a special in my heart, these children inspire me everyday, with their corny jokes, venting sessions and pure laughter. They are all so wonderful in their own quirky way, so thank you for bringing me happiness into my life and making me humble. Thank you for being the best, most energetic kids I know.

My kids and I have been together for the past three years, which means I've watched them grow physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. It's crazy to think that they'll be considered fourth graders in the fall, I still can't process that. These kids give me life, they always have the brightest smiles when I see them walk in through the door. My kids make me want to be a kid again, they've made me realize that when I'm at work I'm allowed to be a goof ball... I mean only sometimes, like when we play kick ball or have dance club. It brightens my day when my kids come in the room and hug me and say how they've missed me. Seeing that brings me joy like no other, and that feeling of being appreciated like that is something that no one can ever take away from me.

I hope my kids realize the impact they've made on my life, seeing there faces everyday makes me humble and grateful for what I have. Knowing that some of these kids in our program may be on scholarship makes me stop and think. As counselors we don't know who's on scholarship and who's not, but honestly non of that matters. When they come here all their issues go away, they can truly just be a kid and enjoy life. Seeing that is what inspires me. Knowing that they are children out there who have it so bad, yet they'll never act in a malicious way towards another child or counselor amazes me. For them coming to the YMCA is a way to get away from the drama they may have in their lives, when they're here nothing matters. They can truly lay back and be a kid. Seeing them run around and play with their friends is a true blessing.

Kids are wonderful. They remind us what it was like to be a kid ourself. Whenever I see them playing little side games with their buddies it brings me back to when I would do that as a child and how much fun it was. My children at work continue to grow and inspire me everyday, I hope when I have a classroom full of children they'll inspire me just as much as my third graders do now. Thank you all for being your dorky selves and never giving up on me.