My return to school from Spring Break was a hit the ground running sort of deal, so imagine my relief at being able to indulge in an hour escape to BJM on a cool Thursday afternoon. The environment was relaxed, a majority of the kids were absent, and the staff was in high spirits. Spring break was just around the corner for them–a fact that made me smile, knowing that by this point in the year, the teachers, and kids as well, were more than deserving of a short breather. I enjoyed the slow, mostly calm and quiet time with Mrs. Patel, spending time and laughing with the three children who were left in the Arts room. The they decided that day that their hour would be best spent playing teacher. One child would sit in a chair, the teacher, while the other two sat on the floor in front of them, the students. They would do this for about 5-10 minutes each and then switch positions. As a teacher, the child would make up some lesson about math that didn’t add up or would read a book, while the students sat and listened, would raise their hands, and shout out bizarre, purposely amusing responses. While not much happened that afternoon, observing them play teacher brought a smile to my face, leaving me to contemplate the importance of education, something I often do. Each child was anxious to play the teacher that read as much as they were anxious to play the student who got to answer the teachers questions, both a method of displaying their significance. As a teacher, they got to share their reading skills, as the student, they got to share what they knew. Such a simple game, yet absolutely exciting for them.

I truly believe that education is a fundamental right and that every person deserves the opportunity to learn and pursue knowledge. The look on the faces of children when they are given the opportunity to display their knowledge and/or learn something new is one of the most beautiful things on Earth. Every child should have the opportunity to have that experience and to feel that way. They should all have access to good education and programs, such as A+ that kindly encourage learning and provide enriching activities, which are not perfect, but are available and worthwhile. As always, I walk away from BJM with a ray of enlightenment–a sense of motivation to continue pursuing opportunities that will help me find ways to improve the educational sector, now and in the future.