My 4th of ESO students have a lot of trouble remembering to read The Importance of Being Earnest when asked, but, fortunately, when asked to bring snacks, they usually remember those. My happiest memory during my time at Meddeas was my goodbye parties with my two 4th of ESO classes. First and foremost, it was nice to feel appreciated and to know that, even if they were just looking for a reason to have a party and to avoid work, they all brought in treats and drinks for the occasion. It was nice to get to see them in a more relaxed environment that wasn’t necessarily a classroom. It was fun to watch them fight over what music we should play and try to catch candy in their mouths, and they showed the other teacher and me their primary school pictures.
I also felt like it was a culmination of all of my time with them. I tried my hardest to be someone whom they trusted and whose opinion they took seriously, and I felt like they showed me that I was. I got asked for relationship advice, which is always fun to give, and asked for studying advice for the resits. That being said, the student was asking for advice about his Spanish Literature exam, so I am not sure how helpful I really was, but I tried my best, and I appreciated that he asked for my opinion.
One of my favorite moments from the party was when one of my students came over and sat with me and asked me to “tell him something”. It made me laugh because the whole year I was constantly repeating “tell me something,” both because I needed them to say something in English, but more importantly, because I genuinely wanted to hear about their lives. I wanted to know things about them beyond their level of English, and I definitely feel like I got to know these classes especially, but it was really nice to have the tables turned and to tell him something about me and my life.
It was so sweet to know that they care about me and that they want to know about my life. They were sad that I wasn’t returning but were genuinely excited for me and curious about my new job. I have had many, many happy memories, but I don’t think anything will top that.
Author: Mary W.