Do you have that one friend who you have around a thousand "inside jokes" with? Where you - or someone else entirely - can barely say ANYTHING without bringing up one of those inside jokes (and sending you into fits of laughter)? Well, somehow, over the past five years, Xavia and I have developed THAT sort of relationship.
A (very) short list of some of the things that make us laugh (WARNING: you will likely understand NONE of these):
- non-stop water drinking
- Blood of Innocents
- "The Life"
- Slave Boy (Lyova)
- "That Guy"
- Her "Old Boyfriend" (Brandon)
- Robust
- Discard
- Ripped Jeans
- Menial Tasks
- Enomis (Simone??)
Last year, Xavia was my CS student. We had so much fun that, when she asked me to do it again this year I said sure. But I thought she'd change her mind once she realized that she couldn't get credits for it again. Lo and behold, her counsellor changed the name of the course (Human Services!) and she IS getting credit for it. I'm just happy to be spending more time with Xavia.
To be honest, I think the two funniest people in our school are Xavia and Blanca B. And they are both my CS (er... HS!) students. IN THE SAME CLASS!!! I'll be trying to teach my Calculus class (first time I've taught Calculus so I need to concentrate) and these two are mumbling one-liners under their breath at me. I'm constantly laughing and responding to them when I should be focused on the Calculus students. Sorry about that everyone, but they are SO FUNNY!
Xavia has the most wonderful disposition. She is ALWAYS jovial, warm, and enthusiastic. She is the sort of person who cheers me up the moment I see her; as soon as I even anticipate the great interaction I will have with her. Her locker has been across the hall from my room for what seems like forever. I can't imagine what it will be like next year to look out there between classes (or, often, DURING classes) and NOT see Xavia there. It makes me very sad to consider.
Xavia, you were such a sweet grade 8 student and, in many ways, you have hardly changed a bit. We have shared SO many incredible laughs over the years and there is nothing I enjoy more in life than laughing. You are truly a special, special student. I am proud of you for the sort of person you have become. I will miss you and the times we spent together. I wish you nothing but the best and I love you!