Many teachers keep a brag box. I think I've mentioned this before in a previous blog. When times are difficult, the box holds many of the mementos amassed over the years that remind us teachers that what we do is important. Every year, I ask my students to write me an evaluation based on their learning experience and my teaching style. Many are positive, but I am indebted to those students who provide constructive criticism so that I may improve for the next year. Every now and then though, I receive an evaluation written from a much different perspective. I asked Raisa if it would be okay with her if I shared it on my blog, and she agreed happily. So now I share with you -- her words...
Hi Mr. Padilla! So, I decided to send my appreciation and gratitude through a sonnet.
We are a class not small yet not so large
We started out quiet, simple and shy
Walking into the room, we would not barge
Sitting in desks with no noise or reply
And out comes our teacher well dressed and sane
He introduces himself to the class
Listening at desks we chose to remain
We need to learn to break out of our glass
A few days pass and it all starts to shift
As Life Soundtracks teach about each other
Connecting the pieces that cause a drift
Relating as friend, sister or brother
Soon we learn our sane teacher’s crazy side
Catching some people with immense surprise
We release emotions we cannot hide
It may be laughs, giggles, and even cries
He taught to think in ways we never could
Expanding our thoughts out and beyond
Not understanding on whether we should
Go on like ocean or stop like a pond
Through him we learned life, language, history
Facts, people, sports, and games, also,
Science, words, understanding mystery
And comprehending the film Vertigo
Sweet, crazy and kind with soft heart within
Rough, sensitive, and loud with energy
Acting evil with mischievous grin
Child like features revealed for us to see
He may not be a saint or a preacher
But I’m so glad he’s my English teacher.
We started out quiet, simple and shy
Walking into the room, we would not barge
Sitting in desks with no noise or reply
And out comes our teacher well dressed and sane
He introduces himself to the class
Listening at desks we chose to remain
We need to learn to break out of our glass
A few days pass and it all starts to shift
As Life Soundtracks teach about each other
Connecting the pieces that cause a drift
Relating as friend, sister or brother
Soon we learn our sane teacher’s crazy side
Catching some people with immense surprise
We release emotions we cannot hide
It may be laughs, giggles, and even cries
He taught to think in ways we never could
Expanding our thoughts out and beyond
Not understanding on whether we should
Go on like ocean or stop like a pond
Through him we learned life, language, history
Facts, people, sports, and games, also,
Science, words, understanding mystery
And comprehending the film Vertigo
Sweet, crazy and kind with soft heart within
Rough, sensitive, and loud with energy
Acting evil with mischievous grin
Child like features revealed for us to see
He may not be a saint or a preacher
But I’m so glad he’s my English teacher.
I’m sorry if it contains many errors and is not the best but I’m hoping that whatever I learned in your class through hard work will pay off somewhat in this sonnet. I just want you to know that I’ve enjoyed your class, its moments, discussions and debates.
Your style of teaching is probably the most unique and unforgettable. The stories, thoughts, and styles of thinking has given off a tremendous effect on my attitude towards everything. Thank you so much for all that you’ve taught and I wish you the best of luck with future classes!
