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PEACE OUT! I love you all so much! I will miss you. Keep in touch. sony189@hotmail.com
Hello!
Well, this is the dreaded email. Tears are flowing down my face uncontrollably...but here goes:
My Dear Family,
I have been thinking of this day since March and I didn't quite know how I was going to deal with, but your notes, letters and cards have eased my pain. I will miss all of you so much. You are all beautiful, vivacious spirits and I am better person for having taught you. As a pastly jaded, sinacle and single woman, I thought that glorious, fortuitous gifts were a myth, but you, lovelies, have proven me wrong. You are my special gift. I appreciate all of the wonderful and hilarious times we have shared. The funny jokes and stories, the drama from our own lives, the overwhelming testing this spring and just the general "fabulousness" (slang) you bring into 708 everyday.
The number 708 will be forever singed into my memory. Room 708 was my first classroom and you are my last class at Leander High School and I those two pinacle statements what send a rush of emotions to my heart. I wish now I could have cherrished the "everyday" memories just a little more. My teaching philosophy is simple-we are a family. This past few years, you have been my chosen family. You accepted me with my crazy lights, director's chair and art filled walls--it was chaos! You still loved me.
To the parents who contacted me, I appreciate your wonderful words of kindness. The thoughts and written appreciations are what fuel me to this day. I just want you to all know what beautiful and talented children you have. You are so lucky to spend the rest of your lives knowing them. For the brief year I had them, they made a tremendous impact on my life. I can't wait and see what heros and superstars they (all 161 of them) become.
I spent so much time with them in my classroom, and often times more time with them than you did, however, I feel like I was given a scope to see through the misconceptions and judgements given by outsiders. I saw them for who they really are and it was..well---a harmony of the world's best offerings. They are so amazing, that I have hope that they will change the future. I often told my students to "be the change you want to see in the future" and many of them have done it. I am forever changed because they became my saving grace. Please keep me updated and posted on any happenings.
I took this job anticipating it as a small layover until I continued on with my education, and now I have decided to make it my life's purpose to educate others. I thought- I would be saving lives, healing hearts, opening minds and the truth is, they have taught me, saved my life, healed my heart and opened my mind.
To my students (homie-g-funks), I don't know how I am going to spend my summer and next year with you not around to make me laugh. Please stay strong and never give up. Remember, no matter what you want to be in life, you need to be a wonderful writer. Free yourself through writing. Man! I am gonna miss ya'll. Who will I share my new odd electronic music with? Who will I make small talk and drink my coffee with? Who will I have MOVIE MONDAYS with? Who will draw me amazing pieces of artwork? Well, let's not worry about that... too sad to think about. So, I will just try "to be the change I hope to see in the future".
This is Ms. Sonia R. Castillo signing out for the last time--
Peace, love and hope,
SonC
P.S.
For those (parents and students) who would like to contact me in the future, my email is sony189@hotmail.com. Also, I attached a pic of me so you will never forget me. I would like pics of you, so send'em on over. I am painting a collage of students.
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Artwork by Chance Sullivan |
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