I took the photo above of three boys in my fall Senior English elective. These guys are seventeen and eighteen-years-old and proudly sporting backpacks made for toddlers. I love this about Hotchkiss kiddos.
In fact, there's a lot I love about the students here, and a series of short videos on our school's social media feed inspired me to explain one of those reasons.
One night, when I was on Main Building duty, an assignment that involves walking around chatting with kids and looking for people doing what they shouldn't be, I came across one of these three boys, let's call him Elsa, near the entrance to the library. Having just come out of the library, I knew that it was the birthday of the librarian on duty, so I suggested to Elsa that when he went in, he could wish her a happy birthday.
I found out the next day that instead of going back into the library, Elsa went to the snack bar (oddly called Snabe these days) and bought a cake. Then he rounded up around thirty kids and had them all sing happy birthday at the entrance of the library. I know, sweet, right?
That moment provides a good analogy of how teaching English at Hotchkiss often feels for me. I lob a suggestion in the general direction of my students, and they take it and sprint to a better finish line than I could have imagined. Witnessing the ideas our intellectually bright and generous students can construct together is a joy and a privilege.
Elsa, you've got enthusiasm and drive. Don't ever let that go. (See what I did there?)
When is a time you offered a seed of an idea and got to see it blossom into a stunning floral arrangement? Please share any responses you have in the comments.
Very nice uptake on your suggestion by students!
Thanks and I agree. Good kids!
What a great story!
I totally agree. He’s a great kid who makes the world around him better. Fortunately for me, he’s not the only such kid here.