I SAID WHAT I SAID.

Last year I had the unique opportunity to be a History Teacher. It changed my life.

I wrote the following post in 2019 when the school year was coming to an end.

MY STUDENTS GET ME EMOTIONAL

As I sit here writing quarter 3 report card comments for my 7th and 8th grade students, I slowly start to notice that I have all the feels right now…

I remember when I first started working at an independent school thinking… “Girl, what are you doing here? You don’t fit, how will you connect with these kids, let alone faculty and staff…?” because surely you need to have something in common to build relationships with people and I just felt different. And for a long time I felt guilty.

On days that were more challenging I said to myself, “Mm hmm! That’s what happens when you choose to work somewhere that doesn’t look like you, that doesn’t value you, and can’t possibly benefit from your mere presence.”

I was so wrong.

After 3 whole years of working in independent schools I can say with all conviction, NO. Private independent schools do not look like us– however, we are necessary, we are valuable, and we are blessings to these institutions and the students & families they serve.

Say it with me… “I am necessary. I am valuable. I am a blessing. PERIOD.

There are countless memories that cross my mind of times when I “put my kids on game” from black hair to Black History, but they too have put Ms. Lauture on game. As I make my way to the end of my 1st official year of teaching, I can honestly say that I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally and much of that has to do with my students. Their unwavering trust in me helped me show up in ways I never thought I could.

Taking the time to write about each individual student’s progress and character makes my heart smile, knowing this is an extension of the work we’ve done together, the growth we’ve experienced together.

I got teary-eyed ya’ll and that’s not easy for a G like me… but, your students will do it to ya won’t they.

I hope you understand me <3.

In empowerment & appreciation,

Sarah Lauture, @sasalafleur