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Paul Grant

All it takes is a simple act of kindness...

June 9, 2007 at 5:53 AM

Today was the last day I had my sixth grade violin students since they're going to camp next week. Like every year, I wanted to get a combined picture of my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade violin students to remember them by. It was bittersweet, I was bummed that it was all coming to an end but at the same time I was also glad to be getting a small break from teaching among other things.

Towards the beginning of the class one my students pleasantly surprised me by giving me a note he had written me thanking me for teaching him violin. When he gave it to me he just stood there. I could see in his eyes that he wanted me to read it and so I did. Half way through the letter I smiled. Needless to say I was touched this totally made my day.I gave him a little hug and thanked him for this simple act of kindness.

I always feel like i wished i could've done more in the short time I got to work with these kids. Although I'll see some of the kids as middle schoolers, I know realistically that many will also move and I'll never see them again...the kid that gave me the letter...he's one of the students that I will see next year. Despite our short time together I'll be grateful for the kindness and appreciation the kids have shown towards me it's made me feel like I had a purpose. I don't know what will happen to a lot of these kids but I do hope they continue playing music and retain this need to do good for others.

Below is a photos a card one of the little girls made me. It's a little hard to see since the wrote in pencil.

(Front: Says "Thank You so much!")
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(Back: Says "Thank you for teaching me to play the violin!")
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Here's the letter from a little boy that made my day:
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Last but not least photos of my elementary school violin class:
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From Pauline Lerner
Posted on June 9, 2007 at 6:48 AM
It must give you a really good feeling to get those notes from your students. You probably had a good effect on the other students, too.

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