Recently I was nominated for a really great award. It was truly very kind of people to nominate me for it. I didn't win this award, but there was a bit of a hullabaloo about it and I was required to write a speech. I thought I would post my speech here because some people that I wanted to hear the speech didn't get to, so here it is. I have also included a video that my school division made about me. It makes me look really good. (Thanks Graham!) I had one student watch and say, "It's good, but they cut out all your frowny faces Wirzba, so it really doesn't look like you."
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This article, which I was instantly taken with despite my brown thumb, drew parallels between education and gardening with the following metaphor. In gardening, there are some plants that are difficult to grow. They are stubborn and need special attention, and are often more susceptible to disease or pests. (This is me. I am stubborn and need special attention.) So, with that in mind, gardeners often surround this growing specimen with hearty, strong plants...plants that grow with ease and are in fact able to support the new growth. And what is this special superhero plant you ask? The marigold. As a new teacher, the rule was to surround yourself with marigold people. People who will help you to grow to be the best person, the best educator you can be. The article continued on with other metaphors, and concluded with the basic fact that there probably won’t be a ton of marigolds around, it’s just that simple. Maybe one or two if you’re lucky.
This is where I knew that my situation was special. Because I am a stubborn plant in a sea of marigolds. I have somehow stumbled into a garden filled with supporters. I have a mum marigold who will always listen, always empathize and always be on my team. I have a dad marigold who is up for debate and willing to fight through the challenges of our time. I have a Grace marigold who listens to my countless stories about ridiculous junior high students who are hilarious and disgusting and wonderful. I have Principal and Vice Principal marigolds. Admin so willing to go the extra mile for me. Always willing to listen to my thoughts, to give advice, and to see that even when I say I don’t need anything, I probably actually do. I am surrounded by marigold colleagues too. Fellow teachers and assistants who will throw me a knowing look, help me process a tough day or collaborate with me on an assessment that I can’t seem to get just right. I work for a school division of marigolds, who somehow saw that I might be worth nominating for this award, and that I will care so much. About everything. Most importantly, I have students who are marigolds in the making. Students who help me celebrate my successes, and make me laugh at my failures. Who challenge me to be my best self just as they are struggling to be theirs. And so, I feel truly grateful to have these amazing people in my life. My marigolds, my friends, my world. I know I would be a stubborn, dwindling twig without you all. Thank you very much.