At my school, things are a little different. Instead of paying tuition all students work on campus. I am lucky enough to work at the daycare and I love all of it. I’m so grateful that I get to experience all of their wonder and amazement. Their sweet laughter always turns my day around. Here are some things I wish they could know.

Dear daycare kids,

Whether I’d like to admit it or not, you’re changing who I am. I once was a person who was never late to class, never liked to make a spectacle of myself, and was self-proclaimed one of the most impatient people ever. But now I’m frequently rushing into class at the last possible second because I had to say goodbye to all seventeen of my little best friends. And I’m completely ok with it because you all really are some of my favorite people. Never in my life have I made such of a complete fool of myself on a daily basis, at the daycare or not. I crawl on the floor and pretend I’m a turtle. I make the sound effects for all of our train rides. I sing songs about monkeys and alligators while I’m walking around campus with no children in sight. I whine about things that no 21-year-old human should, then I just smile and explain that I work at the daycare and pretend to care that people around me are embarrassed. As for the impatient thing, I’m still working on it. But realizing that your tiny legs can’t keep up with my giant steps are a step in the right direction (see what I did there? No, ok). Thanks for telling me that I’m beautiful when I really don’t feel it. Thanks for wanting to hang out with me and for thinking that coming to my dorm room and watching a movie would be the most fun night ever, except that I always feel awful when I have to turn you down. Thanks for thinking I’m really cool even when I say something really lame. You are all some of the smartest, funniest, most talented kids I’ve ever met. You are all so very unique in your own way and the world is a better place because all of you are in it. You make me want to be a better person and even though you’re only three I want to be just as wonderful as you as I continue to grow up. Even though I get sneezed on, hugged with sticky fingers, and occasionally get hit in the face I’m so glad that I get to be your teacher and see you grow and learn. You are all perfect just the way you are. Never lose your sparkle.

Love,

Miss. Bethany