That Was A Great Day

​To our first graduating senior class at Furlow-

​I was sitting in 7th grade study skills class when I first read a TIME magazine article about AIDS. I was in 10th grade biology class when the space shuttle exploded, killing a science teacher who was adored and admired by millions of Americans. I was in Alabama, teaching English at Gadsden State Community College, when a man killed innocent Americans in the bombings in Oklahoma City. I was in Columbus, Georgia, for computer training on 9/11.

Now- a virus. It is a defining moment in time that none of us will forget.

The Furlow teachers and I are united in our sadness and regret for the way things should have been these last few months, but we gave you the very best we had- throughout the year and for graduation. We are united in our love for your class of 2020.

Every one of you.

You are our precious seniors- our first graduating class and yes, I absolutely mean precious.
I hope I let you know throughout the years how very much I have always cared about you.
but...
I was terrified that first day at Cherokee when I walked into the room to teach you as 8th graders. TERRIFIED!
I had never been on a cart before.
I had never been without a classroom.
I had never been without a textbook program for Spanish.
I had never ever taught so many kids in a building at once.

You always came to me after lunch, and for some reason that always involved drama. So we talked it out. I mixed up Miranda and Adrian’s names over and over. Zach and Eric too. I still can’t spell Tinsley’s name without double checking to make sure it is right. Tahj wanted to sleep. I thought Samiya and Makayla were scared of me. Adaja made me a beautiful coffee cup, and Nathan brought in the beautiful glass flowers for Una Rosa Blanca project. Lane made a cool map of Cherokee school that I still have. I still get nervous thinking about what you guys got away with when I wasn’t looking. The pancake…the computer…. Thank you to all the girls for making posters and banners that I continue to use with little ones. High school was a rollercoaster of promise, plans, and constantly altering dynamics. Thomas would tell me not to worry so much, but I worried anyway.

I was flustered but tough. I was determined but careful. You were kind but relentless. You were compassionate but daring me to teach you. We tormented each other at times. You guys made me carefully rethink how I offered art projects to go along with Spanish activities. How many conversations did I have in the halls with you? I will miss the fiestas, cultural studies days, and chili cook-offs.

I actually fell in love with the idea of service learning because I still had the opportunity to teach all of you. Seeing each of you work with the younger kids was so rewarding. I was grateful for your honesty, compassion, and respect. Your capstones reflected your unique talents and interests. You built the peace garden, created school traditions, and left a legacy for our future graduates. How many amazing things did you do for our school through service learning? I admire at the scope of your achievements. You continue to challenge boundaries, break molds, and redefine personal success. You have made history!

My parting words of wisdom are…
Look up whenever you feel like you are going crazy and don’t have enough answers.
Look around and see who you can help because it makes waiting easier when you do.
Look for the good in the world.

That’s what I did this morning at graduation. I saw each of you preparing to go into this world.

You are the good in our world.

Thank you, seniors.
For teaching me.
For forgiving me of my mistakes.
For validating me over and over again when you never knew it.

You are loved.

Years from now, I hope you look back on your graduation and say That was a great day!
Mrs. Arnold

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