You might wonder how I choose each week's Student of the Week. It's not much of a scientific process: I just think of my grade 12 classes and when I come to someone that I can recall a good memory about I just start typing. Pretty well every week one of the people's faces who pops into my head is Lydia's. After all, I have nothing but good thoughts / feelings about her. But just one problem: I honestly can't recall any SPECIFIC stories to tell about Lydia. She has never done anything silly or embarrassing in my class to mention. I have never lost my temper with her so I have nothing to apologize to her for. She's not overly loud or needy or eccentric.
It was actually becoming a bit of a concern of mine: "of course I want to make Lydia Student of the Week - she's awesome - but what am I going to say about her?". I don't have any interesting stories to tell about her. Praise, praise, praise is nice (and very deserving)... but kind of boring.
Well, this week Lydia asked me to write her a reference letter so I figured it was time to finally make her Student of the Week. I decided I could copy some of the rave reviews I gave her in the reference letter and paste them here. And that's what I am going to do now:
What I will remember most about Lydia is what a wonderful person she is. I honestly can’t remember a single time that I have seen Lydia where she has been anything but cheerful, friendly, and enthusiastic. She is the sort of student that radiates warmth and positivity; just her presence in my class puts a smile on my face. Furthermore, I know that my teaching colleagues and the great majority of Lydia’s peers feel exactly the same way as I do.
Lydia, you really are a great person (kudos to your parents because your older sister, Dasha, was just the same!). I'm so happy that you took Foundations 12 this year. Not only are you a real leader in our class but - selfishly - I'm just happy to spend time with you every second day. I know that making a difference with others is something you believe strongly in (it's one of the things I love most about you) and I know that you will do just that for many, many people in the future. I can honestly say that, over the past five years, you have made a difference in mine... just by being delightful YOU! I wish you nothing but the best, Lydia!