To Clear Up Any Confusion

I know it's fun to tease and ask "who's your favorites," and I know you doubt me when I say I do not have favorites, but I don't. I really don't. And that's because each of you has your own place in my heart for your own reasons. *This is for Zeeland and East Kentwood and Parchment and any classes from any schools I teach in the future.* I am so blessed to go to work each day and get to know my students. I truly feel you all give so much more to me than I could ever possible give back. I might teach you English (or whatever), but you teach me patience, and compassion, and open-mindedness, and how to laugh when days are hard, and that the world is beautiful for 7 billion different reasons. Hopefully I teach you through my actions (really, sometimes that's more important than the subjects you learn in school), but I really cannot express the rush of emotions I feel every time I reflect on a day with any of my students. I love you all, each in your own way, and in ways that I cannot possibly explain in a way that makes logical, rational sense.

You all are the next generation of world changers, and I cannot put into words the pride I feel to know all of you. Whether you believe me or not, one group of students does not replace the other. My heart only expands to make room for each of you.

EK, 2013: The Wiz

I don't think I can adequately sum up how proud I am to return to East Kentwood after subbing elsewhere for months only to find THE WIZ.

When I saw my brilliant students onstage:

When the Yellow Brick Road became a living, breathing, moving, dancing, thing:

When it was over and I reflected on the time and dedication and brilliance of the individuals I have gotten to work with this year:

Each day I step foot in an East Kentwood classroom, I am inspired all over again.

Goodbye Zeeland

On the outside, I was like this 
(because I’m a rock):

On the inside, though, I was like this 
(because I’m actually not a rock at all):

kelsey.l.pretzer@gmail.com