To my class

Before I started writing seriously and professionally, I was student teaching in northern Iowa. The experiences I had there, the wonderful young men and women I had the privilege of teaching and getting to know, the challenges, the tears, the laughter, the painful parent-teacher conferences, the pranks, and the moments where I watched a struggling student suddenly, finally understand what I had been teaching—each and every one of these incredible, difficult, and beautiful moments built me into the person I am today.

Sometimes I miss my teaching experience so much. Sometimes I think about those young little faces (probably in their early twenties now?! crazy!) and what they're doing. Sometimes I remember the struggles they faced, the demons they overcame. And sometimes it brings tears to my eyes that God brought me into their lives, and them into mine.

Teaching is an incredible profession, and I think that's why I'm so drawn to nannying—in both I play such a crucial role in the growing, learning, and becoming of these little souls. And wow, how humbling.

Here's a little shout out to my tenth grade English class and a reminder of the importance of loving, supporting, and engaging with children—your own, or otherwise.

I hope, wherever you are, that you're growing into the men and women I know you have the potential to be. I am, and always will be proud of you.