The Start of Something New

At 2:03 AM this morning, I ran my final semester grade calculation, thus wrapping up the formal administrative part of my eighth year in education.

I wrote my students one last email, and I thought it fitting to share here.

Dear AP English students,

So we come to the end of another year. A strange, unexpected, turbulent year. But the sun is shining, Jesus died for you, and we will not be conformed to this world.

There is a lot going on in our world that I am sorry we do not have the chance to discuss in person.

Know that I pray for you, and am extremely hopeful for you carrying the light of Christ into the world as you grow into adulthood.

Thank you for your work this year, and most especially this past quarter. I have spent the better part of the last week reading fascinating research papers, learning about your backgrounds in your application essays, revising resumes, and I am continually impressed with your intelligence, service, ambition, and willingness to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

As most of you know, I am taking next year off to stay home with my own kiddos. I am sorry I won’t play a big role in your senior year, but I am planning (as of now) to stick with my Koinonia group, so I will be in and out the building. Please reach out to me for any of the following things:

• Recommendation letters for jobs, scholarships, Common App
• College application help
• Life advice
• Prayers
• Sharing exciting news

I am also planning to devote more time this next year to my personal blog, helariouslizzy.com. Feel free to check out my work there if you’re curious how motherhood is going.  I hope some of you continue blogging as well, and I would love to read more of your thoughts!

I included your parents on this email, so they can see how much I love you all and will miss you. Thank you again for a truly memorable year.

Blessings,

Mrs. H

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV