But after having taught second graders for 16 years and enjoying every minute of it, I was given the opportunity to teach high school English to juniors and seniors at Aquinas High School. What possessed me to switch from adorable little people, who loved me unconditionally, to amazing teenagers who would be ecstatic if I suddenly exclaimed that we would be watching the movie instead of reading the novel? My answer is simply this: the challenge to teach a subject I feel passionate about and the chance to continue teaching at a Catholic school.
Leaving one outstanding Catholic school, Our Lady of the Assumption, for another, Aquinas, has enabled me to continue sharing the Catholic faith with my students. Instead of preparing second graders for First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, I find that I have not only the opportunity to teach my faith, but I get to live it every day. For example, at the start of each class period, we have prayer led by one of the students. This prayer enables us to recognize Christ in our presence.
In addition, I also find that I can incorporate Catholic beliefs into the Language Arts curriculum. Whether it is learning about Transcendentalism in American literature with my juniors or Existentialism with my Advanced Placement (AP) seniors, comparisons are made and discussed so that the students can more fully appreciate the Catholic faith.
However, what I discover to be the most profound aspect of sharing faith at Aquinas is the spirituality of my students. I recently gave my AP juniors an assignment to write an essay about their goals for living a good life. Among the usual goals, such as attaining high grades, getting into the college of their dreams, and being happy, was their desire to continue having a relationship with God. At such a young age, they already have their priorities in order.
To say that the most rewarding part of teaching at Aquinas High School is my students would be an understatement. They are truly a blessing and have been the most pleasant surprise of all. When I think of all the intellectual discussions we have had as to whether Macbeth is a tragic hero or was it really necessary for Hamlet to procrastinate so long in dealing with his stepfather/uncle, I feel grateful for this extraordinary teaching opportunity.
When I look at my AP seniors, whom I have taught for two years now, and realize that I will have to say goodbye to them as they graduate in a few months, I feel privileged to have been their educator.
When I look at them and see all they have accomplished and their limitless potential, yet to be discovered, I thank God for giving me the courage to venture out of my comfort zone and into the strange and mysterious world that is high school. Have I enjoyed this three-year journey and all that it has encompassed? Ask my seniors; they will be the first to tell you that I will be the teacher crying buckets of tears at their graduation. I will make sure to have plenty of Kleenex on hand.