Somehow, my 6th period has always been my "cuckoo's nest." That is an allusion to a novel and film about an insane asylum. Every year, for some reason, Period 6 has always been the "wild" one. I can remember years past, when I had to be observed during 6th period, I would tell the administrator to bring a helmet. I don't know if it's the time of day (sometimes first thing in the morning, sometimes last thing in the afternoon), but Period 6 somehow has that weird, Twilight Zone, Area 51-like quality of always being just different. And this year was no exception.
I looked back over 6th Periods of the past, and came up with some interesting facts:
* In the past 5 years, you are only my 4th sophomore 6th Period (one year I had freshmen during 6th).
* You are the largest 6th period I've ever taught.
* You are the only 6th period I've ever taught in the 600 wing, and the only one with a SmartBoard or website/blog.
* You're 6th period has the highest class average of any 6th period I've taught.
* Your 6th period had the most detentions, believe it or not, of any 6th I've taught. That is owing to a handful of tardies and gum, both of which Katie is mostly responsible for.
* Your 6th period had the most athletes (and, therefore, people missing because of sports) of any previous 6th.
* Your 6th period had more strangulations, pretend or real, than any 6th period (and probably more than any except Sean's English I class last year...)
...and without a doubt, your 6th period will be my most memorable.
Maybe it's something in the air during that special time of day, but your class stands out as one of the most outrageous I've ever taught. What strikes me about this class is that despite how often you tried to distract me from my lessons; no matter how many times you tried to figure out where I lived or what I wore to the Jay-Z concert; no matter how many times I had to put the smack-down on Jake/Jack, or strangle Sean/Doug; no matter how many questions Hanna asked--you rose to my expectations and performed. If your class had a motto, it would likely be, "Work hard, play harder." I have to give you credit, I was rarely disappointed with the work you produced, and for that I hope you can see how much you've grown because of the demands placed on you. More than that, though, you also placed a great demand and responsibility on me to step it up and really challenge you. I think the results speak for themselves.
As you continue throughout your junior and senior years, I hope you take with you the lessons and fond memories we shared this year.
Brian, cook the rice (i.e., stop working on homework in the back of the room during my lectures!). :) You are a stud, and I expect great things from you.
Jon B., you know you and your brother have a special place in my heart, but never compare yourselves. Really strive to reach your full potential, but only you can say what that upper limit is.
Lani, stay classy. You are a cool, savy young lady. Try to strike a balance in all that you do--I missed your smile and wit on those days you were worn out!
Chin Hao (Howie), you are smart, funny and charming, although you need to work on your BS-ing skills during your oral reports. :) Thanks for all the advice on Taipei, and I hope if you visit there that you'll look me up!
Katie, are you chewing gum? You are extraordinary and unforgettable, and you always brought a smile to my face (like when you did the "un-awesome" downward fist pump. Who thinks up that kind of stuff?).
Sean, I am so proud of you--you've really been a treat to teach these last two years. You are much smarter than you let on, you know... and although I'm sure I've strangled you more than any other kid I've worked with, it's because I care for you and see something special in you. Hugs from here on out.
Ande, you are definitely in a league of your own. Your wisdom and insights were always right on point. Thanks for the tea (!), and for really pushing yourself this year.
Melissa, aka "Harry Potter." You know I think you are one of the smartest, neatest kids I've ever taught. You certainly are unique, and I hope you never stop pursuing the thing that bring you joy in life. (PS--the picture of you and Katie goes up on my wall wherever I end up.)
Doug, although you got your fair share of strangles, I've always thought you are a charming guy (and yes, much more fun without your medicine). Having both you and your sister was a pleasure--keep pushing yourself in your studies!
Jake, you're right, you're always wrong. But you never stopped fighting for it, and you never should. You got the highest score on that Japanese Lit quiz, which was admittedly a little absurd, but that speaks to your drive. You should stop stalking people on FB, though, especially when you take such scandalous pictures with your buddies... And yes, I do have copies.
Alex, I'm glad you stayed in the front row after the seat change--it made it much easier to steal your soul. Don't take on too much; enjoy the fruit of your labors, and allow those around you to enjoy you too.
Jonathan L., you're my secret favorite (don't listen to Jake--he's always wrong). You are such a kind and thoughtful guy; I'm so glad you were in my class, and I'm very proud of the progress you made this year.
Steven, you are such a good student--hardworking, studious, and a friend to your peers. I admire the thought and effort you put into your work.
Delaney, smile more! You are an incredible young lady, but I could never tell if I was pissing you off or not :) Thanks for putting up with me and Doug, your neighbor, this year.
Megan, my two-year vet. It has been a fun and amazing ride, and you always bring a fresh perspective. You've got the charm and confidence to go the distance, and I will miss your bright presence next year. (PS, as a member of my only freshmen 6th period, you've been in my craziest class two years in a row...)
Aaron, you are a smart guy with a great sense of humor. I see a lot in you, which is why I wouldn't let you sleep through my lectures (that, and I'm terribly narcissistic). I hope you recognize all those great things in you, too!
Julina, my "silent but deadly." How you survived in that corner of the room with Jack, Jake, Sean and Joey is beyond me. What I do know is that you have an incredible artistic talent.
Joey, I'll never stop believing in you--thanks for trusting me this year. I'm proud of you, and expect great things!
Jack, you are probably the 2nd most competitive student I've ever taught. And you've been great to work with these past two years. I know your parents are proud of you and your brother, and so am I.
Briana, I'm so glad I assigned those oral presentations, because if not, I'm not sure I'd have gotten the opportunity to enjoy your speaking. Don't be afraid to let your light shine!
Aeron, you have a great artistic side that I only caught glimpses of in class... you are, though, a gentleman and a great student.
Jamie, it's been a blast having you in class. You're smart, funny, and have a great sense of humor, which you need with me. Keep up the good work!
Sammy, another 2-year survivor. You're consistent and reliable, smart and subdued--a stud on the diamond as well as in class. Thank your mom for those brownies!
Charlotte, you are smart, funny, and have a little bit of an edge. I could always use you as a gauge for how things were going. Never lose that genuine-ness!
Natalie, aka NatSavage, I don't think anyone's ever transformed Shakespeare into really bad slang better than you. :) You're such a cool, savvy young lady (pun intended)--I always look forward to bumping into you in the neighborhood!
Emily, your presence in class helped keep me sane! :) You're so sweet and kind, and highly intelligent to boot. Thanks for being such a contributing member of our community.
Dana, you're a stud student, and between you and Emily, you always broke the curves. I loved having you as a student--always eager to help--and you really helped make a memorable Monarch Madness dance!
Tommy, you are clever and witty, and have an interesting perspective. You're a big thinker, but don't get stuck in your own head. Never lose your love of reading.
And last but certainly not least, Hanna; you know that you literally were the center of the class. You always brought a fresh, Hanna-perspective, and kept me on my toes. That's what make a great student--one who demands that the teacher is also great. Thanks for that.
I can truly say I'll miss you, and I'll be thinking of you fondly next year while I'm in Taiwan. If there's one thing I hope you take with you from this year, it's the whole deal about the rice. You all are so amazing--accept who you are, and be open to all that life has for you. Good and bad is only a matter of perspective, and perspectives usually change with time. Keep your hands, hearts and minds open--to receive what life has for you, and to give all you've got to life. Cook the hell out of that rice.
Sincerely, Your Teacher,
Mr. Franklin
PS--I love how Jack looks like he's blind in this picture, and Natalie looks like she's been holding that pose too long. :)
Thanks Mr. Franklin for an awesome year! We will all miss for sure!
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Franklin, you were a great teacher, you even put up with me as a student! I learned so much from your class, but the most important lesson I learned was to cook the rice, and have not tolerance but acceptance of others. I hope to see you at our graduation. Have fun at your new school, but no class will ever beat our 6th period.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck:)