This year, my fourth as a full time teacher in Colombo, I’ve received paper flowers on three occasions so far. The first time was a student thanking me for moving her to a quieter part of the classroom so she could concentrate better. The paper flower came with a note that simply said “thank you” and included a happy face. The second time was a student who was making a flower amidst a group philosophical discussion about feminism and its intersection with capitalist theory. That paper flower was white with no note but a verbal “this is for you”.
The third time came on the last day of the second term from a student hoping for anonymity. The paper flowers were inside a colorful shoebox. They came with a note. Actually two handwritten pages. Based on the note, it was fairly straightforward to decipher its author. Regardless, the student hoping for anonymity mentioned that they read my blog so here’s an attempt at a note of gratitude and a reply.
Dear Student: Thank you for the paper flowers. I actually prefer them over real flowers that are cut from their stem and removed from their life force. I keep every note or card or paper flower I receive. As a teacher they are my little treasures. I’d like to think that you know me well enough to have known how much your gift would mean to me. Thank you for being brave enough to go on a journey of self-discovery. Thank you for being true to yourself regardless of what that means in the world in which you live. Thank you for sharing your truth. The world needs more of you so there is more compassion, kindness, and love. The world is better off because you’re in it and because of your journey. Acceptance of you is the first step. Hope for acceptance from all but expect that that may take time. Be ready if acceptance from some never comes. You being you is more than enough. You being you is exactly the you the world needs. Because you being you is love. Someday if we ever have this conversation in person I will tell you so. Until then, just know that I’m so honored to have been included in your path and I’m so grateful our paths crossed. Students like you are the reason I consider my job a work of joy.
