Not Being Labeled

Recently as of last night, I finished watching the film produced in 2020 called, "Words on Bathroom Walls," in which a young student has the mental illness known as schizophrenia. Some of the scenes had some interesting graphics and perspections of how public/private school handles these type of situations and what to do for people/students who struggle and have this. The end of the movie was rather touching (yes, tears came from my eyes) because he knew it really would not fully go away. Also, the priest in the movie, helped him realize he could overcome anything. Today as we finished up our recent series in church, my pastor spoke of our identity and how it is formed. Some of the things mentioned is having God's word and also important leaders. It is these leaders that help us establish who we are today. In the sense of the movie, "Words on Bathroom Walls," it was the priest at the private school he ended up going to and also his mom that made a difference in his life. I know many of my posts often reflect back on my career in teaching, but this year has to be one of the most difficult ones, in the sense of the various issues present. Due to ongoing illnesses of staff having COVID and the different behaviors of the students, we are short staffed. Everyday, teachers in general, but more or less, teachers of my school are not sure what they are "walking into." This past week, due to the changes of weather and stress of everything, I had more of a reaction in terms of my skin due to battling some of the stress. On Friday I remember thinking (again) to myself: "I am not sure how much longer I can do this." I was thankful to spend Friday and Saturday talking with people who have been a positive influence in my life. Yesterday, or Saturday, as I went to the thrift store to get more cotton based clothing/roomy clothing as recommended by the school nurse, in order for my skin to heal: I came across one of my students. This particular student got put in my class several weeks after school started. Due to privacy, I will not give out a lot of information, but has improved a lot despite her "labels" or learning related issues. As I was in line at the store, trying to get my toddler's attention, she came up excitely to tell me, "Hi." A wave came over me because I know this school year will continue to be crazy. Some of these issues we deal with are not easy to resolve. Although, seeing this student (of all places, lol, the thrift store) reminded me that I make and continue to make a difference in their lives. Her face light up as she greeted me. What does this mean? We might be labeled as things often determined or given by society, but have to reminded that God sees us all as equal. WE ALL ARE ONE. Also, it is important to let the past go and the things that discouraged us. Those things are not valid and should not be present in our life.