I Don't Want to Be Superwoman

We worry about whether we are enough.  Whether we plan enough, whether we know enough, do we grow enough or are we outdated?  We worry about whether we are reaching them, teaching them, and always making them feel like they can do it, like they matter, like they belong.  We worry because that is what teachers do.  Did we do enough? Did we listen enough?  Did we let them speak, find their voice, share their passion?  Did we uncover their talents and boost their weaknesses?  How will they remember school?  How will they remember us?  Will it matter all of the tears, the time, the trouble we went through so that they knew they were important?

I know I am not superwoman, and nor would I ever want to be.  Superwoman isn't human, she is too busy to sit down and listen to a story or see a lightbulb moment.  Superwoman has to save the world and my shoulders cannot carry that.  So I would rather be human, be me, be here in this classroom, at this time, working with these students.  Being there for them, catching the moments, guiding and stepping back.  Letting them fail and learning with them.  I would rather be me, thankful for this time, for this moment, for these challenges that I know I can carry.  Superwoman cannot invest, but I can, and I do, every day, every moment, even after they are gone.  They are my children and I grow with them.  That is what teachers do.