I just whipped this little thing up. You'll probably find it boring, but whatever. It's important to ME and that's what matters. I felt like I just had to put this down on paper. I feel like it's one of the most important things I've ever written. It's the essence of me. It's my story.....
201
There are no words to describe it, It simply just IS. Maybe it's love, maybe it's security, maybe it's passion, maybe it's just knowing that I have something to belong to. Or maybe, it's a mixture. Yes, that sounds about right. A loving, passionate, belonging mixture.
On that little piece of paper, that so important little 6th grade schedule, that was held in such a tight grasp that first day, I saw the room number-Band Sectional (201). It was my first foray up into the second floor and I was scared. But not of another level to be discovered, but of the teacher that lay in wait in room 201.. At the 5th and 6th grade concert last year, I saw her, and she looked so mean. So challenging. I shivered in my skin and walked in. I sat down in the center chair, a defiant look on my face. The teacher glanced at me with a half quizzical smile and I stared defiantly back. But then, during attendance, my defiance melted. My first impression of my new band director had been completely and utterly wrong. She was so kind and funny and I loved her for that. From that day on, when I had any spare time at school, that was where I was. My new safe haven, room 201.
I left that year ready for summer, but a little sad. But I knew that I would be able to come back in a couple months and everything would be back to normal again. Or so I thought. When I returned, my world was turned upside down. I walked into class everyday and learned things that I already knew. By the end of one month I was already quite distressed. A savior came in the form of my band director who invited me to join the 8th grade band. That helped a little, but not a lot. I would get so angry. So annoyed. I would clench my fists and my jaw and my eyes were flaming with anger. But when I walked through the door of room 201, my soul calmed and was comforted, just knowing that I was in a place where I could work and do what I loved the most. Play music. And in the middle of that year, I realized that band was no longer a hobby, but a true passion. My greatest ambition, my life's goal now was to do everything possible so that I could become a band director. It was all that I cared about. But that year was finally over, and I was happy at first, but then I realized that I had just one more year. One more year with the most amazing band director ever.
And that final year is this year. And it's already halfway over. I almost don't know how I'll be able to leave when June comes. That room has been a special place for me, and I don't know what I would have done without it or my band director. She's helped me discover my passion and my life. And to think I walked in so defiant and afraid. I know who I am now. It's as simple as that. When I leave, I feel as if I will leave a part of me behind. A part of me shall always live on in 201. And a piece of that room will go in my heart as well. I'll never forget you....Mrs. Barry - Room 201.
