Last week a student left this token of appreciation on my desk. She sacrificed the greater part of her lunch to leave this flower and hearts creation of Cheese Whiz. Concerned for her feelings and for my proper reaction as a teacher, I smiled, thanked her, and then stared at it as the whole class laughed. They knew that as a caring person I was perplexed by the proper reaction to the unorthodox yet sincere gift. In my head and heart, I knew that she did not expect it to last forever, or she would not have used Cheese Whiz! So, I dug around in my typical teacher's sack of papers, pens, markers, pencils, books, and pulled out my digital camera and took this picture of her work. "Ahhhhhhhh, came the response from the class." I had passed their test and made the impermanent more permanent. When the class ended, I threw the "artwork" test away before roaches or rats showed up for a feast. Then I posted the artwork on my website for a week. It was another of life's interesting tests.

MEMBERS COMMENTS VIEWING 1 - 5 OUT OF 5 COMMENTS From: tautog 03/14/2008 22:51:26 I get those tests everyday...I am an Alterative School teacher. (behavior modification) From: flstormz 03/10/2008 09:06:16 I don't know what's funnier - the gift, or you staring at it : ) From: Deb_Magelssen 03/09/2008 17:51:11 I had to laugh about your story-  They were looking for a reaction from you and you handled it with lots of candor and sensitivity.  You're gift shows!    Deb From: alston 03/09/2008 16:26:04 What a thoughtful thing for you to do, and I'm sure your students felt your compassion. You are a good person. We need more teachers like you. Thanks, Alston From: alisonvernon 03/09/2008 14:05:42 You must be a wonderful teacher. Thanks for sharing this hearts and cheese whiz piece of art.