Let it be...

In-person, Zoom, cohorts...the list goes on and on. Is it just me or does it feel like we have been in school for months and not just two weeks? Every day is a struggle. There hasn’t been a day where there wasn’t a problem with something. Most days I find myself upset or frustrated because I just want everything to be perfect for my students. But you see, that’s the problem. It can never be perfect. This week was a -5 on a scale from 1-10. But as a teacher, I am learning to be teachable. Every day, I teach my students to open their minds, open their hearts and relax. I think it’s time I take my own advice. My goal for this year was to step out of my comfort zone. The new technology being used is definitely helping with that goal, but after two weeks, I’m adding a new goal to my list. Open your mind, open your heart, and be teachable.

The other day, the internet was not cooperating. A few of my students kept getting kicked off. Any student that was on that Zoom call could see that I was getting frustrated and angry. And now looking back on it, how silly is that? It’s something out of my control. But in that moment, that's how I was feeling. Just as I was about to give up, one of my students from the back of the room said, “Miss Rock, it’s okay. You’re doing great. We know you’re trying.” Cue the tears!! Since when did the students become the teacher? I’m supposed to be encouraging them. But honestly, it’s okay to let them teach and encourage us once in a while.

Part of my classroom decor this year are song lyrics that provide inspiration, motivation, and are relatable. I put these song lyrics all over the room. My favorite, and the one that I put right next to my desk is, “Let it Be,” by The Beatles. Who knew three little words would have such an impact on how I handle those tough days? That’s what we have to do. We have to accept that this year is new territory. We have to accept that there will be glitches, obstacles, and mistakes. Most of the struggles that we are all facing are out of our control. So, what do you do when you are tired, frustrated, and want to cry? You let it be.