Writing these Student of the Week posts is so sad. It makes me think about saying good-bye to all you wonderful people after five special years together. And so, it is with genuine sorrow, that I write the following about Seraphina...
Seraphina was in my Math 8 Tech class (oh the amazing computer skills I taught that class. hahaha!). It did not take long to realize that she was a unique person. What struck me most was how Seraphina was always smiling, always positive, always laughing. Five years later and Seraphina is exactly the same way. It's such a rare and admirable trait (I sure don't possess it but wish I did). What a treat to be around someone who (almost) never complains, who looks for the good in the world, who is supportive and thoughtful and kind. I can honestly say that I feel a little happier EVERY time Seraphina walks into my classroom. It was true in grade 8 and it's still true today.
(incidentally, I remember one day when Seraphina was NOT happy at all. In fact, she was very sad. It was so different than her usual way of being that I found it super alarming!! I felt panicked! But... no surprise... the very next day she was back to her usual bubbly self)
In grade 10 Seraphina went to Prince of Wales to do the TREK Outdoor Education Program. This is a very well-regarded and competitive program; students from all over the district apply. This points to something else I love about Seraphina: she is not afraid to take risks. Whether it is applying to specific programs or volunteer positions or jobs, Seraphina is eager to "give it a shot". Most people get stopped by the fear of failure ("what if I don't get accepted?") or the unknown ("what if I hate it?") but Seraphina is courageous enough to just "go for it"! Want to live an extraordinary life? Adopt this mindset immediately!
Of course, I was so sad when Seraphina left (and I feared that she would stay at PW for the rest of high school) but, happily, she returned to KG in grade 11. In the past two years we have shared many special moments. We have spoken of so many different things - Poland, sandwiches (we ALL know Seraphina LOVES sandwiches), chess (Seraphina and I are equally bad at chess... but we enjoy playing), success, failure, death, wealth, morality... the list goes on and on. Sounds pretty heavy but the thing I will remember most (and best!) about Seraphina is all the laughs we have shared together. Seraphina has a world-class laugh and I have been lucky enough to hear it on MANY occasions.
I could say so much more, Seraphina, but let me end here by simply saying "thank you". Teaching you has been a joy (so determined! So hard working! So organized! So responsible!) but getting to know you as a person has been the BEST. You have always been so kind to me. Some of the conversations we had when my dad was sick (and after he died) made a huge difference to me. I will never forget you for that alone but there are so many OTHER memories that I will treasure just as much.
Good luck to you, Seraphina (I KNOW that great things await you in the future). May you never lose your incredible, positive outlook on life. I love you, SWD!