A small riot.

Yesterday and today, I sat through 11 presentations from my students. They were professional. They were overall prepared. They answered questions like a boss. They shared personal stories. They were passionate. They knew why they were doing the things they were doing. They followed the presentation outline. They introduced themselves. They all participated. They inspired me.

Over the last 3 or so weeks, my students have worked endlessly on presenting an idea of something they would like to change in the school. My principal sat in on every single presentation. He asked questions of the students as if they were Congress presenting a law to the president. I've sat with each group multiple times asking, what has seemed like, hundreds of questions about what, why, who, when, how. I've taught them how to SMART goal it.

I'm telling you. If you could see these kids a year ago, if you could have seen them 2 months ago, they would shock you. Their confidence was so brilliant that I almost cried during a presentation today. They talked without staring at their presentation notes. They spoke out of their own knowledge and experience. That is true leadership...to be able to share why you want to change something when it goes along with something you know well.

In my 6th period today, two groups joined together to start their problem over completely. They informed me they were planning on starting a riot and then we intelligently discussed why that wasn't such a great idea :)

I need you to know... how incredibly proud I am of my kids. How thankful I am for them trusting me. How grateful I am for their experiences and their passions and their values and their beliefs. I'm thankful they are confident, that they ask questions, and that they are beginning to build each other up and see how they can work together, instead of a part.

Do you pour into the next generation? Do those who follow you want you to join in their riots, in their battle cries, in their passions, and jump in? They should. You're on the brink of something big. Go for it. These small presentations and project grades are about to turn into incredible opportunities for these students. One that will make a big impact on a small school. And maybe start a small riot in the northeast corner of Las Vegas. When we lead and teach the next generation, we can trust what they will become. We really, really can. Do it. Go for it. I'm ready.

-Melis