But the wrapping is not the gift, and this is important. It is so easy to make a mistake in this regard, to judge the contents of the gift by the wrapping paper.

Sometimes the gift (the student) is opened very easily; sometimes the help of others is needed. And maybe it's because they are afraid to be opened. Maybe they have been opened before, and because the last person didn't value them, they don't want to be opened again. It could be that when they were opened before, they were discarded and thrown away. They may now feel more like “things” instead of human beings.

At my school, just like my students, I too am a gift to be shared. God filled me with a goodness that is only mine. And yet sometimes even I'm afraid to look inside my own wrappings. Maybe I'm afraid I would be disappointed. Maybe I don't trust my own contents. Or maybe I've never really accepted the gift that I am.

Every meeting with my students is an exchange of gifts and an opportunity to share. I'm a gift; they are gifts. We are gifts to each other.

While most people have decided to become part of the problem, teachers have chosen to be part of the solution;

While most people question "Why?” teachers have dared to ask "Why Not?”;

While most people have accepted defeat, teachers have accepted the challenge to compete;

While most people focus on the obstacles, teachers remain focused on the openings;

While most people are overwhelmed by difficulties, teachers have transformed them into opportunities;

While most people give up, teachers certainly don't give in;

While most people have resolved to talk, teachers have resolved to take action;

While most people have lost all hope, teachers have remained hopeful; While most people are discouraged by the output, teachers are encouraged by the possible outcome;

While most have forgotten from whence they came, teachers haven't forgotten who brought us this far;

And while most people wish they were like us, we thank God we're teachers…who are NOT like most.