It is said that it is the oldest people who are the wisest. That the more life one has lived or experiences one has had, the smarter he is. And this can be seen to be true many times. I mean how could someone that has only lived for 8 years possibly know more than someone who lived for 80 years? But in my time working with kids, teaching students the things that they are supposed to learn, I have learned more important things from them...

They taught me to be honest.

"Will you be my friend?" Said one boy as he sat next to the other. "Well," the other boy started, "you are kinda funny looking and you talk very loud, but I still like you so I think we can be friends."

Adults in todays world lie, cheat and steel in order to help themselves. But children, you can always count on them to tell you what they are thinking. It is true that sometimes this honesty can be a little blunt or a little too honest, but that is what this world needs. We should all be able to tell other people how we honestly feel.

They taught me how to work hard.

He leaped into the air, worksheet in his hand, "I GET IT I GET IT MS. FLEMING I CAN DO IT ALL BY MYSELF NOW!"

It is the most amazing thing to see that look of determination on a child's face as they work so hard on what they are doing. Kids don't work hard in order to get the big promotion or to pay the bills. No, kids work hard in order to feel that pride and satisfaction every time they figure out a problem or are praised for their writing. We should all work this hard, and not because we have to, but because it makes us happy.

They taught me to always be happy.

"You just always have a smile on your face, don't you?" I said. "Ms. Fleming I am always happy, so I always smile!" She said back, smile unbreaking.

Going to the school is always the brightest part of my week. It could be the worst day possible, you know that days I mean, where everything that could possibly go wrong, does. But despite any of that, the second that I step in the classroom and I hear 20 little voices smiling and yelling "HI MS. FLEMING," everything else disappears. All my worries and my stress fade away and I am instantly happy right along side them.

They taught me to have a dream.

"Ms. Fleming, I am going to be a doctor and then when I cure all of the diseases I am going to become a police woman and help save people without diseases. And then maybe I will be a teacher after I save everyone."

Ask any kid what they want to be when they grow up and they will tell you all about their crazy dreams. They have no limitations in their minds about what and who they can be one day. They know what they want to do and they decide that they will do it. There is not contemplating if its right or if there is enough money, if it will be worth it in the end. No, they have dream, so they will do it.

They remind me to laugh.

"Do you make that funny snorting noise every time you laugh? I like it! It makes me want to laugh even more!"

Everyday these students make me laugh so incredibly hard. Some of the things that they say just catch me so off guard. One second we are trying to multiply two number and the next tears are welling up in my eyes because I am laughing way harder than I should be. And then I snort, and they laugh their adorable little laughs even hard and I just can't stop.

They taught me to love.

"Ms. Fleming, I love you very much. I also love Marco and Julie because they are my bestest friends."

After knowing him for about three hours, this boy announced his love for me and his "bestest" friend. When I asked him more about this, he told me that he met Marco on the bus and now they always sit together. They also share snacks during snack time, so he loves Marco. Julie however, was his neighbor and he loves her because she is funny, beautiful and she loves to play soccer, just like him. And after I taught him to multiply, he loved me too.

They taught me how to live.