In the spirit of the Christmas, a time to be with family, friends, and loved ones, I have found myself more excited than ever this year to celebrate. Maybe it is because the sun has been out the past few days, the lights around the city have popped up, or the funny children's requests to Santa I hear on the radio every morning. I'm not sure, but for some reason, this Christmas feels like one of the ones I had when I was a child, patiently waiting for the big guy to come to my house and drop off all those goodies I so wished for.
Working in a school during the month of December is, as many of you can imagine, almost as bad as working with kids the day after Halloween. The halls are usually bustling with excited laughter, candy canes, and the hums of Christmas Carols. Students and staff are counting down the days while they finish their exams, report cards, and tie up any loose ends before the end of yet another year and the beginning of a new one.
As someone who is very goal orientated while grateful for past and present opportunities, I was interested in learning about what my students were thankful for in 2009 and what they are looking forward to in 2010. Here are some of their responses!
I hope you all had a wonderful Chirstmas and are looking forward to a very eventful, happy, and successful New Year! All the best!
Best moments in 2009:
"In the summer, I went to watch an amazing concert in Hong Kong by Raymond Lam. It was a brilliant show in on e of the biggest concert arenas in Hong Kong. I loved it. I wished I can go there again and hope to see my cousins in HK there again!"
"Wathcing 2012! Most amazing movie ever!"
"Spending time with my brother's dog."
"Left for Dead 2" (I think this is a video game!)
"Making the B-Ball team!"
"Making more friends!"
"Nights of summer."
"The best moments of 2009 mostly happened in summer. I had gone to a six week camp in Alberta and had to survive on a fifty odllar budget per week. I met lots of people and learned if you want to move up, you have to give respect and appreciate whatever someone does for you. My most clear memory of this was when this man was at the side of the road next to a McDonalds and I looked at him sleeping. He had a dirty blanket and a garbage bag as a pillow. I went inside McDonalds and bought him a meal and brought it out for him."
"My best moment was when I got my XBOX. I was so happy especially because i earned it by myself."
"The best moment in 2009 was when we were all around the fire at camp. It was the best because I got to get to know my best friend better."
And of course, from the teacher herself:
"My best moment in 2009 was realizing that if you really want something to manifest, you have to make it happen and never give up. I was fortunate enough to have many strong people in my life this past year who have encouraged and mentored me, helping me realize that dreams aren't simply visions in our minds. I realized through determination, hard work, and a positive attitude, anything is possible and that all is real in this magically beautiful life."
What we are looking forward to in 2010:
"Moving into my new apartment."
"Having a blast and 2010 Olympics!"
"Carrying the Olympic Torch on opening day."
"Egypt."
"Hanging with my friends and playing soccer."
"My grandparent coming back from India."
"Eclipse the movie."
"I am looking forward to more French class and an end to all the corny end of year jokes!"
"Getting my braces off!"
"Not loosing my glasses!"
"Pass the 8th grade and survive school."
"To win."
"Season two of Glee."
"Try to have the biggest and best birthday party."
"Get on the Honor Roll."
"Taking horseback lessons."
After reading these responses, I always fill up with a bittersweet feeling. On one hand I am so happy that many of these young people are so willing to share their dreams and what they are grateful for, no matter how big, small, serious, or totally nutty they are! It's a great feeling as a mentor to know that your student feels safe enough to share his or her most personal and private thoughts with you. I truly believe that it is because of solid, respectful relationships that all goals, visions, and dreams progress and transform from fantasy to reality. Sadly, this knowledge reminds me of the realities of life. Many of us as adults forget the simple pleasures in life; friends, family, education, hobbies, the things that make us feel alive and lead us to pursue our passions. Falling into the dread of our own doubt is all too common, and as many of these young people remind me, sometimes, it's just best to look around and be thankful for what you have in the present, which is the greatest gift of all.
So, in the spirit of holiday glee, I would like to extend to you and yours a very Happy Holiday season and an even more special New Year filled with Health, Harmony, and Love. May all of your dreams come true!
Cheers!
Monika B
O! What I'm looking forward to in 2010:
1. New collaborations and business plans! I'll fill you all in as soon as I can! So exciting!
2. Going to Mexico and seeing Rob on a plane for the first time! This will be priceless and I promise I'll post pics! lol
3. Painting more! Adding more to The Sweetheart Collection and seeing them at various locations in Vancouver!
4. Surprises
5. Summer
6. Writing more of my book...hopefully it will be done this year!
7. Meeting new people and seeing new talent!
8. Art Shows!
9. Following my dream.
10. Never giving up!
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