My Wayfarers and My ‘Ohana,

The year has just finished, and I hear you singing outside as you’re wrapping up your year.

Today, I was at my desks, listening to your chatter, and I was struck by this perfect, simple thought:

I finally know what home is.

I don’t know if you’ll remember my class years from now, but I think I’ll remember you. I don’t know if my class will have a lasting impact on your life, but it’ll stick with me for a while. You were my first when I decided to come back to teaching. You showed me what it was to start digging into this work.

So, when I struggle with the concept of home, thank you for letting me learn alongside you. Thank you for helping me see that home has been right here, watching you all grow.

Please keep sharing your voices. Please, keep telling your stories. They are so worthy of being shouted from the rooftops. You are all so marvelous.

With lots of aloha,

Ms. Torres

 And special edit for yearbook because it ks the best and Maya asked for it. ❤️