The Rewards of Teaching

The best part about being a teacher is talking to former students and hearing what they are up to!  It makes all the long days and sleepless Sunday nights worth it.  Now that I've retired from teaching, I especially love it when I run into my former students.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Zoe, one of my former students going into her junior year of high school. 

Zoe attended our Empower Youth Leadership Conference when she was in 6th grade. Then she joined our Leadership Club working on community service projects and helped facilitate the leadership conferences.

Even in 5th grade, Zoe had a strong voice and would look for ways to advocate for others.  Now, she is a student member of the school board, is on the student council, and is involved in many activities.  While her teachers would like to take a lot of credit for her activism, both her parents are teachers too !

Zoe is now part of a group of 15 high school students from around the state of Vermont who are working together to raise money for nonprofit causes.  Children's Legacy Partnership is one of the charities they hope to raise funds for in the future.

I see strong evidence that the future of our planet is in good hands when I talk to my former students.  This generation is engaged, and energetic, and I learn so much from them!

If you sometimes feel discouraged about the state of the world, talk to some teens and really listen to their opinions and ideas!  

I'm sure you'll be hearing more about how Zoe and this group of teens are helping CLP and making a difference in the world.

Thanks for all you do to make a difference!

With Gratitude,

Mary

P.S.-  If you're feeling inspired, you are welcome to pass this email along to friends and family!  We'd love to introduce more people to CLP and we could use your help!