Teacher

Mmmmm the faint hum of scholars hard at work, working together gives me peace. 

After almost a year together, they can cooperate and share ideas.

Gone, mostly, is the the noise of the children who are hardly working. 

It is the scholars who have trouble staying focused for whom I am most concerned.

The fear and loneliness seen in children's eyes, wondering why dad hasn't come to pick her up yet. 

Violence witnessed turns into violent actions over a word or an accidental push.

Those who scream and defy often are the first to come and say "hi" or who want a hug "goodbye" each day.

Tears, from the students and the teacher, and sometimes the parents. But it is worth it. 

The late nights and early mornings, the "overtime" hours we aren't paid. But it is worth it. 

The vacations we don't actually take, always planning, there's never really a break. But it is worth it.

The student growth - social skills and academic progress. It is worth it. 

The smiles that radiate from the eyes and hugs as tight as can be. It is definitely worth it.