I welcomed in 2012 with a few of my favorite people at one of my favorite hole in the wall bars. Toasted midnight with champagne and crossed my fingers that they Mayans were wrong and that 2012 is not in fact the end of the world.
As a teacher, I enjoy the two weeks we are given to enjoy our holidays and to decompress from all the stress in our lives. And like most teachers, it's hard to wake up on that first day back and get back into the swing of things. However, this year, something unexpected happened to me. Going back to school made the first week of 2012 the best new year of my life. On my first day when I walked in, I found out that I had been funded for a grant through the Autism Society of Acadiana. It provided me with funds to buy an iPod for my classroom to use as an assistive technology device for my non-verbal students with Autism. And then on Friday, one of the best things that has every happened in my 9 year teacher career took place. A student of mine who up until that point had not talked all year, shouted "I'm jumping" while on the trampoline and asked what he was doing. Those two words brought tears to my eyes to the eyes of many many more who knew his journey.
This school year has probably been one of the most stressful ones of my career. However, at the same time, it has also been the most rewarding. It has reminded me why I do what I do. Why I sing silly songs, believe in Santa, and put up with paint covered hand prints on my clothes.
And after this week, I was reminded about the mystery of Autism and how I can be a part of placing that puzzle together.
By the way I know this kid. Check out his mom's journey!
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