It’s the end of the school year and I’m in shock.

There were moments I felt like I had been teaching for decades and the school year would never come to an end.  But now I feel like I’ve hardly spent anytime with my students and now the end is approaching at lightning speed.

Where did the time go and how did I spend it?  I’m really worried that I didn’t teach my students properly, that I’ve jipped them of a proper education.  What if my Algebra students go on to the next class and still can’t factor properly?  What if my Biology students don’t remember how the heart pumps blood because I didn’t teach it clearly enough?  What if my 4th graders can’t remember how to convert between mixed numbers and mixed fractions?

I’m worried I didn’t do a good job with them and that I haven’t left enough of an impact on them.  Sure they tell me I’m their favorite teacher now, but what about next year?  Will they forget Sr. Ayesha and start to adore whichever teacher is chewing their ears off 5 days a week then?  I know it’s a stupid concern to have, but I don’t want my students to forget me and the things I’ve taught them.

I know I won’t forget them or any of the things they’ve taught me.  I’ve learned so many things from each of them, especially the little ones– how to have nonstop hardcore patience, how to be ready for anything, how to answer all the what-ifs in Islamic Studies, how to prioritize, how to keep my own feelings and emotions out of their problems, how to be a stronger person.

At the beginning of the year I thought I would die everyday at school.  I was hit with work from every angle and I could never imagine that I would one day be able to manage everything.  Working at this school has taught me that with a little bit of time, and a lot of dedication and committment, I can actually do the tasks I’m set out to do.  I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.

I’m going to miss this school a lot and it’s constant influx of pizza for hot lunch; the crowded high school hall ways with the same 10-15 girls; the kindergarten kids running up to you and grabbing your knees for a hugg; rearranged schedules atleast one day a week; smiling faces of parents who appreciate your work; chit chatting with the other teachers in the lounge; feeling the commotion and excitement of Jumuah every single Friday; laughing and sharing stories with my students; playing Mancala and Uno during recess; and goofing around with the 4th grade just like I’m one of them.

*sigh*  Michigan Islamic Academy, I heart you.