When students do well

 ... it's honestly the biggest reward for me. 

In my daily life I think and talk a lot about gratitude. It's such an important ability to be able to acknowledge someone's help or part in something. No matter how big or small the act of kindness was, gratitude should always be given readily and it should be given often. That's how I was raised. That's what I've observed in my parents and other family members. So that's how I am as well. Better say thank you one too many times. 

I also often talk about how lucky I've been, especially in my professional life. When I worked at school, which I did for a little over seven years, I was repeatedly astonished about the immense gratitude of my teenage students. Back then I remember often thinking that it's a huge deal that my students never held back on their positive feedback. I always felt appreciated. I always felt that my efforts and the time I spent on my preparations was noted and valued. By teenagers... next level stuff :)

Some memories will stay with me forever. Like that one time a seventh grader - while leaving the classroom because our lesson was over - paused in front of the blackboard, looked at my board script and said: "I've never seen such a nice board script, so clean and creative and relatable." I repeat: it was a seventh grader on his way out to have a break between lessons! He took the time to look at the board again. And he made an effort to let me know. Remembering this still gives me goosebumps.

Another such memory is of a fifth grade girl in a similar situation. I had prepared something for Thanksgiving - drew some pictures on the board and pinned some crafts I made. She came in, looked at everything and told me in a quiet voice as if telling me a secret, what a great job I was doing. I've never considered it I think, but receiving praise from a little girl that is excited to be in my class is so incredibly nice. 

With adults it's different. Especially when it's German language classes. These people tend to be super grateful because you're helping them acquire the language they need to communicate in the country they are now living in. You're giving them tools they can use immediately. It's nothing abstract. It's 100 per cent useful the moment they leave the classroom. 

Of course this gratitude is a reward for me. I choose my materials, offer individual help, give my best to make the lessons not only relevant and helpful but also fun. It's always a great feeling when people give positive feedback. 

Another reward are my students' exam results. Last week I got the results of my B2 German class for professionals - 11 out of 15 people passed, some very well, scoring well above the average. What a great feeling.

Also due to the fact that this particular course was extremely special for me. It was my first B2 German course. It was my first course after a seven year break from teaching German. Most people in this group were from Ukraine, my home country. I loved every second of it. The dynamic was great, everyone got along well, they helped each other, supported each other, participated in every silly activity I brought along. We went to the Christmas market together, had tea and cake between the years, dressed up for carnival, had a celebratory dinner after they had taken their exam. At the end, I really thought and felt that they had become my family. I felt protective of them, wanted them to succeed more than anything. It's weird because they're either my age or older than me. But still, I got used to them and love(d) them dearly. 

What a fantastic feeling it was when I learnt that most of them had done well. What a great feeling it was when they came to get their certificates and walked by my office to once again say that it had been all me. I was the reason they had succeeded. Of course, I am not. Of course, they're not giving themselves enough credit. They were all ambitious and diligent and hard-working. Still, to hear them say these words, their shiny eyes and happy faces... priceless.    

So I guess this is what I wanted to share today. This deep, endless feeling of warmth and love that I felt because of their gratitude, because they had been successful and hadn't forgotten about me. Such moments, such feelings make me believe that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, doing exactly what I'm supposed to do.

Much love!