How to Change the World

Last year in creative writing, I had a few prompts that Miss. Vickey (now Mrs. Platek!) gave us. I decided to merge a few of them together to create this next essay. The two prompts I merged were "I have something to tell you, teacher" and a prompt about our daily routine. Now, the routine prompt was actually supposed to include what would happen if something in your routine drastically changed, but for this essay I decided to go more in the direction of my thoughts changing rather than something actually being taken out of my routine. I know that was confusing, but if you read the essay, you may get it more.
Anyway, this essay is dedicated to Ms. Koehl (one of JRob's special education teachers) and the class that I had so much fun helping my senior year.

HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD, by Katie Cecconi

Every morning I wake up to the same routine. I wash my face, shower, brush my teeth, do my hair and makeup, and get dressed. I grab my morning cup of coffee in hopes of staying awake through the day that will soon follow. It takes all of my might to stay awake in my first class, to concentrate, and to want to do well. I love creative writing, but I hate the early hour. Every morning, I force my self from first to second period. I stand up to say the pledge, and when it's time to be seated, I slump down into my desk. I love speech and debate, but my droopy eyelids and nonchalant attitude are just begging me to lie down and pass out. My lack of sleep from the previous night will usually overpower my need for that 'A' I wish to earn. I try my hardest to care, but I usually fail. I pretend to listen to discussions I know nothing about as I stare at the clock, waiting. I watch the minute hand tick by slowly in hopes of hearing a deafening dismissal from this class to the next. I will happily attend m third class of the day. No matter how bad my mood or how exhausted I am, I enter the room with a chipper attitude and am prepared for the task ahead of me. I find an empty seat and make it mine. I delve into topics as trivial as who had what for dinner, a new favorite song, or even the current assignment [which is not so trivial]. I help students learn, I play silly games, and I listen to crazy stories of events that never could have happened. I see the imagination of students who are thought to have minimal capabilities. I watch as kids who really want to learn are taught. I have the opportunity to see what it looks like for a teacher to truly care about her students. I see the passion for the job, the willingness of the kids to learn, and the fun that can be had while overcoming an obstacle. Every day, I see something new. A student who needed assistance writing his own name amazed me one day when he picked up the pencil and did it all by himself. A young boy who tends to second-guess his answers finally responded to a question with enough confidence to mask any insecurity he might have held. After countless struggles and perseverance, a young man learned to tell the difference between the six [thirty] and 12 [o'clock] on a clock, and I have had the ability to watch all of this happen and to be apart of it. I have bonded with people who were once further from my friendship circle than anyone who knows the "real me" could have ever imagined, and I have had a great time doing so. After spending one year with these kids, I have seen how much knowledge they have gained and the extent in which they have grown. I have also seen a change in myself. These kids have changed my outlook on many things, as have their teachers. I may walk sluggishly to my classes, wear a frown, and feel exhausted, whiny, and aggravated. I may roll my eyes, make a sarcastic comment, or ignore what I don't want to hear - but each and every time I show signs of a bad mood, these kids will call me on it and tell me to apologize for being mean or ask me to be nice. Every day, I leave the classroom to a chorus of thanks, see you tomorrow, have a great weekend, and an occasional "call me, Katie". What I have yet to learn is, why? Why would they be thanking me when I should be the person thanking them? These students have helped me see how much hard work can really pay off. They have been doubted by some, looked down upon by many, and treated poorly by those who just don't understand them. They want to learn, and they have to face daily challenges in order to complete tasks that are second nature to us. Over the past year, I have been taught that there are no hugs without slobbery kisses. I now know more children stories and singsong games than ever before. I can tell you all the new hit songs, new dance moves, and what is on today's lunch menu. I can tie-dye tee shirts, sing karaoke, and make amazing purple pancakes. I have learned how to politely say, "No, sir, he's not my son - he's just a really good friend" to shoppers and salesman. I have learned the effort it takes to "tame the wild few", comfort a child who has just had a seizure, and be there for those who just want someone to listen to them and be their friend. I have learned to never give out your cell phone number unless you're absolutely sure you can handle an 8 am phone call - over spring break - where the phone doesn't stop ringing until you answer - possibly more than once in a 2 hour period [thanks to David for that one]. I have learned how to be respectful, responsible, outgoing, goofy, and inspirational [thanks to Ms. Koehl for that]. I have learned that lending a helping hand to someone who really deserves it is more important than anything else a person can do. Most of all, I have learned that I shouldn't be thanked every day as I leave the room for another one of my "lazy" classes where I can be my slacker self who gets her A+ grades while doing nothing by playing calculator games. I have learned that I need to thank these students and their teacher for showing me more than I could learn in any required course. They taught me how easy it can be to make a difference in the life of someone else - that doing something nice really is worth it, and they taught me that we really can change the world. I have been a part of Jay. M Robinson high school for four years. I have interacted with the special education students and their teachers for four years. This year, my senior year, is the first year I have witnessed such a strong bond between a teacher and her students. There has been one thing every single peer helper who has been with Ms. Koehl's class has agreed upon, which is how amazing of a teacher she has been to these students. Every single one of us has realized how well she has interacted with her students and how much each of them love her - and we can see how much she cares about her students and their well-being. Because of her personality, teaching style, and ability to connect with her students so well, I have learned how to change the world. Helping one person can change THEIR world, and, well, it's the world to somebody. Of course, Ms. Koehl can't take all of the credit for that lesson. Along with their teacher, each student in Ms. Koehl's '07-'08 class also deserves that solid thank you they have been issuing me every day this year: Krystal Wier, David Morales, Jordan Layton, Matthew Grimes, Kevin Clontz, Jessica Nevarez, Jonathan Helms, and Rachel Krusinski. So, when you ask me what I've learned this year, my response will have to be this: I have learned to be the best me that I can be, and I have learned that through the 90 minutes I spend 5 days a week with 8 students, their teacher, and their pal, Ms. Stacy Maloney. :-)