My heart is full of pride, joy, and confirmation.

Today I watched my students appeal to their peers to bring more service opportunities to their local community. They spoke with excitement about the opportunity to be of assistance in alleviating suffering of those struggling in their community.

I am proud that these teenagers are intrinsically motivated to empathize and support the people suffering around them.

I am proud that they did not stop at just writing a script like the assignment asked but decided to go above and beyond to make these things more of a reality - reaching out to organizations and individuals that they intend to work with.

I am proud that 15 year olds took the time to step outside of themselves and consider others in need. While many of these students live comfortable lives, they recognized that their classmates and neighbors may not have the same luxuries.

As a teacher, I am proud that my students have taken English as more than just the study of literature. It is delighting that my English classroom is a place where kind, caring, empathetic young people are being developed.

My pride and joy overflows as I think of the change these students are making and all of the possibilities for the difference they will make in the future.

Teaching is not just about the content. It is about developing the next generation of citizens, of humans. Today my students confirmed that it is feasible to do both at the same time and confirmed that this difference I am making is something I hope to continue.