A Meaningful Moment in a Hectic World

Some days I feel as if there is hope that students are getting the message that what you put into PE  you get out of it. This meaningful moment, as I call it, is when students pass me. I know that you are probably thinking, "what?" What I am referring to is when my class was running the indoor circuit(Tuesday I believe), I actually see people walk quite a bit. Of course everyone needs a break at some point, but everyone also needs to push their limits in order to feel that you have worked hard today, and that you have accomplished something. So as I run the circuit I high five people, pat them on the back and say something like "You can do it!" as I run by or "Make today count!". I was expecting the usual sigh and a bit of running until they thought that nobody was looking and then stop. However, as I am running some of them pass me which is awesome. I'm so happy. Then I felt like it is time for my break because I'm so tired. I mean it's hard to encourage students AND do the activity to your best capacity AND set a good example all at the same time. I truly think that P.E. teachers have the hardest job, and I never realised how much you actually have to put into it! Anyways back to my story, as I am taking my break a few students pass me and I hear "You can do it!" as someone passes me by. A bit astonished I start to run again, this time so happy because I realised someone got what I was trying to do, encourage positivity! Even though it was just one person that said that to me, I feel as though I can make a difference. There are some days that I feel that I cannot get through to my classes especially some of the boys because they don't take me very seriously, but that day proved that maybe I was on to something. I think that I just have to keep it up and try harder.

So I think that I deserve around an 84% because I'm trying hard but I can always do better. If you disagree feel free to change my mark because perhaps I am missing something.

Why the heck am I here?

Good question! There so many reasons why I'm here, doing this. I know how the average Sullivan Heights student sees gym class, the easy class, chill block, something that they can achieve a good grade in if they have the athletic skills. Most girls don't enjoy P.E. as well because intimidation can be so prominent, and they don't feel that they can ever be good enough. I can definitely say I used to be a student like that, with those values, until last year when I actually let myself learn why we have physical education. It's sustaining a healthier life throughout the years inside and outside of school not because you have to, but because you want to. Positivity is key, I just wish that people realized that because it could change the way they view all of their classes. If you are having a great time during a game or doing fitness, chances are the people around you are too!  It's kind of like spreading smiles, instead of gossip. Now I know that I don't get 10 on the beep test, and I'm totally not an athlete.  I want to make students see that I'm not just here for myself, you know? I'm here for them because I want to encourage them and turn their thinking around. Gym class should not be scary or dominating. It should be positive and create relationships not just with others, but also with yourself.  Energy can make or break a class.  If you have negative energy in a class it will spread like destructive wildfire. But if you encourage a positive atmosphere, people will come together and be able to put the negative flames out.  If you ask people who have been out of school for a while their impression left by a PE class, it will either be a resounding positive or negative impression. I wish to leave a positive impact for those in my classes, and that is why I'm here.