This Year is Better, Why Aren’t I?

The 8th graders in front of me, the names I’m trying desperately to attach to a few inches of visible face, have not opened lockers since the winter of their 6th grade year.

On day one, I looked out at those faces, not knowing them at all, not knowing what they’d need from me this year, not knowing if I’d be able to do this. We all felt new here.