To My Students Past and Present

By Kendra Poff, an MHS Third Grade Teacher

I remember three years ago walking into Founders Hall for my final interview. One of the questions I was asked was, “Why do you want to work at Milton Hershey School?”

Without delay, I answered something like, “I believe working here would be more than just a job–a ministry and an opportunity for me to bless the lives of students.”

It wasn’t until just recently that I realized it is the students I come in contact with who are a blessing to me! I have watched my past students grow into amazing boys and girls who are doing incredible things not only for Milton Hershey School, but for their families as well. As I look into the eyes of each and every one of my students, past and present, I am amazed at how strong they are. All of them have faced many challenges in their lives and have been able to succeed in spite of those challenges. There are days when they want to throw in the towel but to see them turn that mindset into pure determination has been incredible.

I can truly say, I am blessed and am a better person because of the interactions I have with my students.

I am blessed by the hugs I receive every day from my past students who are now fourth-graders. I am blessed every time I talk with my past students who are now sixth-graders when they tell me they have made Honor Roll, Effort and Conduct, or even VIP status! My current students bless me when I receive random sweet notes from them or when they say, “Thank you for teaching me today.”

I can only hope I am changing their lives through my interactions with them. But more importantly, they should know they are changing mine.

I have often thought about #MHSPowerofOne and I have decided that my “Powers of One” are the individual students I have had the opportunity to work with. To my students past and present, I am so proud of you. You are a blessing in my life and that is why I love working at MHS!