Graduation Day

So, I've been a big slacker with this blog, partially because I've been really busy, but also because there are things I'd love to write about, but can't just yet. Still, it's June now, so I thought I would post a small update of sorts.

Today is graduation at CHS. I think I've got most of the wrinkles out of my robe. Since the class I taught was for grades 9-12, only two of my students are graduating. I keep thinking to myself, They don't know what they're in for. Life's going to change so much in the next few years. I hope they enjoy the ride. I still don't know for sure if I'll be teaching there next year. The Bible curriculum has not been finalized yet, so with the exception of the final exam period I need to proctor next Thursday, this might be the last time I'm at CHS as a teacher.

I have really enjoyed the experience. Sometimes a student or two can make you crazy. And this is why I think it took so long for society to force the retirement of "the paddle." I don't believe anyone ever really thought it was an effective form of discipline; it was really just a good stress-reliever for the teacher. Handing out a detention slip will never be that satisfying.

But I digress. Teaching the Bible is about so much more than inflicting pain on children. It's about sharing the story of redemption. And that was definitely my favorite part. Some people travel to distant lands and learn exotic languages to reach an obscure people group. I drove five minutes from work to teach for forty minutes a day, four days a week. I hope my students got as much out of it as I did.

One student, yesterday, as we were walking out of the classroom, said, "Thank you, Mr. Greco. You're a good teacher. I learned a lot." He didn't have to say that, and it was somewhat like something you'd hear in an after-school, made-for-TV movie about troubled kids from the wrong side of the tracks and the one teacher who wouldn't let them give up hope (aptly played by Meredith Baxter). Anyway, it was nice to hear that.

I do hope I get the opportunity to teach again. The experience of finishing out the year is like the first

time you got to play Super Mario Bros. When you first start out, you don't know that you can break bricks or that the turtle shells can be used as a weapon. You die a couple of times trying to get the hang of it. It's fun, so when the screen reads "GAME OVER," you just want to give it another shot; you know you can do better now.