I used to teach children. This was before I decided I needed to get my masters degree and get a job that would support my education habit. So, that’s where I am now - in an office. Well, not right now, but philosophically speaking, you smart internet peoples know what I mean. Anywho, this weekend while out and about I ran into some of my former students (now in the 8th grade! I had them when they were in 6th! aw.).
Remember running into a teacher when you were a kid? How weird it was that they didn’t just sleep under their desk and were outside and in regular clothing? Yea, well, it is JUST as weird, if not more, for the adults. Outside the kids seem….older, running around the streets of Boston (just as I did when I was 13 or 14), exposed to the world, being normal people not just “my students”. Also, it’s like, what do you talk about!? How’s class, homework, your family? It’s just surreal. It’s not all that bad, in fact it actually feels really good to hear someone scream your name with joy and give you a big hug and tell you they miss you. I miss them too. I miss teaching.
So, how is this all braces related? Well, the first thing out of thier mouths was “Ms. Stefanie, did you get braces!?” to which I replied with a “why yes i did” and was promplty interrupted to be asked “and did you lose weight?!”. to which I also replied “yes a bit” and then interrupted again with “you look so GOOD!”.*
One of my kids got his tongue peirced! I noticed right away and proceeded to ask him if his mother knew he did that to which he asked me “Why do have be all up in my mouth’s business”. I wanted to reply “Because you were all up in MY mouth’s business a second ago!” but I didn’t (i’m the grown up, remember!?)
Out of the mouths of babes comes truth. They have yet to master subtly and lying** skills. The braces are totally noticeable…but also, apparently, not that important or damaging to my looks.
There you have it, once again my kids teach me way more than I will ever teach them. (Lame to say, but really true.)
*These 4 students happened to be the same 4 that were determined to get me a boyfriend and were often concerend with how I looked so I could properly attract one.
**Lying in terms of “no, you don’t look fat” not “my dog ate my homework and sister suzy was the one who ate the cookie” - there great at the latter type of lying.
