Anyway, as I said, one (maybe two) times total that she was frosty with me. Besides that, even though I have taught her ALL FIVE years, there was never a MOMENT that Salma was rude or grumpy or aloof with me. Words I would use to describe Salma: joyful, ebullient, lighthearted, good-natured. Honestly, she is the sort of person that always (ALWAYS!) brought a smile to my face, the moment she entered my classroom. Remember how Snow White was such a magnetic personality, so cheerful, so GOOD, that all the animals followed her around all the time. Salma reminds me of that. The sort of lovely personality that people (and animals?) just naturally want to be around. She even looks a little like Snow White.... maybe? (Salma has better hair. The MOST AMAZING hair!)
- I am always eager to help people who are working hard / trying to authentically understand (and Salma always was)
- 90% of my 1-on-1 interactions with Salma end with one or both of us laughing. She has such a fabulous sense of humour and she is quick with a laugh (which is pretty much my favourite personality trait)
I saw many of Salma's basketball games over the past five years and, even there on the basketball court, Salma usually had a giant smile on her face. Such an endearing look! And saw rare on a basketball court!
Salma is a good sport. I have spent lots of time teasing her over the past five years and she never complains. I have even had an old modelling picture of her (from when she was about 8 years old) on my wall for the past few years. I guess that might be weird for her but I think it's absolutely adorable and it does (and will!) make me smile every time I look at it.
Salma, I am very, very lucky to have taught you for five years straight. You have brought so much joy to my teaching life. I am so proud of you for how hard you have worked in my class over the past five years and for the sort of person that you have become. I wish you an amazing life; may you never lose your enormous smile! I will miss you and I love you lots!