A short (but sweet!) letter to my clinical students.

To my clinical students,

I have learned that a two year age difference is not a large gap. It may be corny, but I have mulled over the idea in my head of how much I have changed since I was the ripe age of seventeen. Often times, I was careless, and sometimes I even thought I was invincible. The high school culture offered protection from the outside world, so I took no responsibility for my actions. I look at some of you and see that same carelessness and invincibility; however, I am here to tell you just two years later that it is really naivety. Protect yourself- including your heart, soul, and mind. It is easy to get jaded in this world, especially college. On a positive note... While I barely know you personally, I have observed you in the classroom setting and can confidently say that each of you are truly brilliant in your own way. I have seen your interactions with fellow students, heard your answers to controversial journal questions, and watched your moods fluctuate from one day to the next. Whether you are the boy who quietly sketches in the corner or the girl who is always answering questions when the class has fallen silent, I have learned that each of you are brilliant. It may not be in 20/21st History or Civics & Govt, but you are brilliantly created. Thank you for allowing me to come into your classroom this semester.

And be sure to remember what Socrates said: "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Good luck on your journey!

Ms. Hayes