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what school means to me - a thread:
1/n I came to the U.S. when I was 7 years old. I didn't speak any english and I was incredibly shy. I developed something called selective mutism because I spoke very little english and I was scared. I never raised my hand, I never went to the
1/n I came to the U.S. when I was 7 years old. I didn't speak any english and I was incredibly shy. I developed something called selective mutism because I spoke very little english and I was scared. I never raised my hand, I never went to the
2/n: bathroom at school - I didn't speak. The school was at a bit of a loss, and so I went from K-2 without a lot of support. I switched schools in the 3rd grade. The teacher - Mrs. Finnel, met with my parents before school started so that she could get to know me
3/n: and see how she could help. She took one look in my eyes - I will never forget this - and she said "I am going to put you in a special class for gifted children and I am going to push you to succeed." She motivated and supported me for my entire 3rd grade --she called on me
4/n: in class, she pushed me when I pulled away. I started to do very well and make friends. I never left that gifted program. I went on to become a successful and social adult, and I could not have done it without school and the support of amazing teachers like Mrs. Finnel.
5/n: Mrs. Finnel died the very next year (when I went to 4th grade) -- she was young - 38 years old. She had a heat stroke while on vacation with her husband and young daughter. I will never forget her as long as I live - her memory has been with me always -- I am 45 now.
6/n: We never know what life will give us, so we must always live in the present and ENJOY the present. We must also be aware that school is more than just school and it needs to be available to kids for a multitude of reasons. Don't let life and children slip through the cracks.
