Estella is a tremendous actor (not sure if she even knows it). She is super expressive and believable. I remember, before I had taught her / knew her very well, I used to say 'hi' now and then in the hallways. Then, one day, someone said something to Estella in my presence and I made a fairly innocuous teasing sort of comment. I can't remember what I said but it was really gentle kidding (I mean, I hardly knew her!). Estella's face fell and I thought she was going to burst into tears. She walked away with her head down and I was like: "Oh my gosh!! What have I done! She's totally upset!!".
Of course, she was kidding. Estella loves to joke around (which is one of the things I love most about her). Even on the days she walks into my class complaining of being tired or hungry or bored or stressed or WHATEVER... it doesn't take long before she is making lots of great, humorous comments and has me laughing.
I feel lucky to get to spend so much time with Estella. Sometime last year she started coming into my class (most) early mornings. This has continued this year PLUS I teach her Calculus PLUS she is one of my amazing CS students. More time with Estella = more good laughs!!
You all have something to thank Estella for. She is the person who gave me the tea and hot chocolate idea. It was her who told me one morning: "it sure would be nice if you had a kettle in here so I could make tea". The rest is history!
Thanks for spending so much time in my classroom, Estella. We have had lots of great talks about all sorts of things (middle names, music, Ghana, etc). You are always knowledgable, interesting, and amusing. Thanks for working so hard and being so fabulous! You are as amazing as you always tell me you are (hehehe). Love ya!!