20 12th graders just filed out of my apartment after over an hour of singing… It’s a tradition here for graduating 12th graders to serenade their teachers at their homes. What a great experience. I really like this group, they are strong, smart and fun. This is the class with which I’ve worked the most over my two years here, and as a result, our bond is quite strong. Tonight we sang a whole range of songs, from traditional Hungarian anthems to American radio jingles. While we were singing “leavin’ on a jet plane,” my impending departure hit home. Of course I am excited to return, I have so many people to see and so many great things to do. But tonight, as we sang together, I realized that I will miss these kids. They have made my experience here worthwhile, and it will be difficult to say goodbye. Of course they too will be moving on and entering a new phase in their lives, so perhaps our feelings of nostalgia and a bit of anxiety are shared. This country and this work has been draining at times, but events like this remind me that what I’m doing here truly matters; thanks guys.
I am sure that you have left an positive and indelible impression on all of your students and fellow teachers.
Having this window into your life has been wonderful!!!! Thank you for making these entries. I wonder what all of these young high school graduates will be doing? I am looking forward to our own little family sing along 🙂
That is so lovely! Those brief moments of joy and accomplishment are fabulous! 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Kotulski
I am glad your coming home! I miss you very much!!!!! I am so proud of you:)
Safe voyage home Mr.Matthew, i am sure all those that have crossed your path in the past two and half years are little smarter, a little wiser and much more knowledgable of the world around them, and so are we who have followed along at the same time thru your writings–thank you.
Your everloving “granpa”—hope to see you fairly soon—–stay well & WELCOME HOME.