06/26/2026
Tonight I had the extreme pleasure of celebrating students who I’ve worked with since they were in diapers…
Before they could walk, or run… or even talk.
Watching each one step up and proudly accept their diplomas, much like my own daughter did last night as she graduated high school.
It has been incredibly hard to step back from teaching these last eight weeks, and even harder to admit that I’m sadly nowhere near ready to come back after surgery and we’re now aiming for September to re-open our community / family classes.
I think maybe only a certain kind of teacher can understand the relationship that evolves with young learners like I get to work with.
With the students who haven’t ridden a bus yet…
The students who unapologetically, and sometimes aggressively, hug your leg when you walk in the door 😂…
The students who rename you from Ms. Melissa to just “bubbles” because bubbles is so much easier to say.
For 17 years now I have been blessed with a job that has filled me with joy, appreciation, and a desire to show up each week and add value to my community.
Thank you, East Aurora Community Nursery, for allowing me to take a seat and celebrate with you tonight. It meant the world to me.
