Throwing it back to the days when I could put 600+ kids in a gym and really welcome them to high school. As hard as this particular event is on me, I miss it.

I miss the nerves and not being able to talk to anyone before we start.

I miss seeing the freshmen come in scared and quiet then leave feeling more comfortable in their new home, with new friends.

I miss the laughter from a perfectly timed joke and the look of wonder when an important message lands.

I miss that “Oh” moment when these kids realize just how precious their time is and how it’s up to them to take advantage of it.

Yes, after two days back on campus and 21 total kids in classes, I miss the energy of having a full classroom and 2,400 kids on campus. I just miss it.

And, I’m going to show up BIG for the students I DO get to see. They deserve me at my best, and I’m determined to make that happen for them.

It’s not easy. Behind closed doors or in the Zoom waiting room, I often feel defeated.

Yes, I want to cry when not one kid, in person or online, responds to my “Good morning! How are you?”

And, I keep showing up. Smiling, singing and dancing. Because if nothing else, I just hope to be a light in their day. A source to help them stay lit up and know they’ll be ok.