Dear Students

 I've cried over you.

I've cried when I thought I was doing you a disservice by teaching you.

I've cried when I fought for you but you weren't willing to fight with me.

I've cried when you told me you despised me.

I've also cried when you've succeeded.

I've cried when you get your "a-ha" moment.

I've cried when you finally get the marks you wanted.

I've cried when you leave my room feeling better about yourself.

I've cried through your emotions.

I've cried while talking you through panic attacks.

I've cried while we held hands during the last exam before the world shut down.

I've cried when you opened up about issues at home.

I've cried through this pandemic.

I've cried after hearing about how you feel trapped.

I've cried knowing you need your friends to feel okay.

I've cried about the uncertainty you've had to face.

I've cried because I hurt for you.

I've cried after wishing I could reach through my computer to help you.

I've cried after feeling incompetent in an online setting.

I've cried after talking to black screens all day, missing your faces.

I may just be your teacher, but I've cried over you.