Found today

I've been cleaning out my room the past few days--throwing out a lot, reading some of the things I've done and saved, looking at a great many pictures--and somehow found this poem in the middle of my elementary school parent handbook. I don't know why I had that handbook still in the massive box in my room, nor do I know why I even opened it up, but I liked this poem, and I think it really reflects the truth about education.

Education is something that is very important to me--that was the committee I fought for in the Boys' State Senate, and the bill that I spent all my time writing and trying to get passed was for increased funding for twice-gifted students (those identified as both Gifted and Talented, and with special needs). I was active in speaking before our school board, and served as a student advisor for the G/T program. I think that investing in our future should absolutely be one of our highest priorities, both at home and in school. That, I think, is why I want to end up being a teacher more than anything. Really, I want to have all those life experiences I always talk about so I have a well of things to draw on in my teaching and parenting career when I tell stories, show souvenirs that I have gathered, and even invite the friends and neighbors that I have met through the years to come speak or write letters to the class (or, even come on the show). I really feel like I can be one of those people who pours their heart and soul into it, so that hopefully, I can have some sort of positive impact on the future. I know that I've had some of those teachers (probably more than my share), and I want to give back just a little of what they've given me.

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child's mind.
And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher - the tools she used
Were book, music, and art.
The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch
That was careful, deft, and sure.
While the parent labored by his side
And polished and smothered it o'er.

And when at last their work was done
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had molded into the child
Could neither be sold nor bought.

And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school
And behind the teacher, the home.

-Author Unknown