I stepped out of the studio this year and back into the classroom. I traded in the quiet and solitude for a cacophony of kid chaos and enthusiasm. Their unending chattiness was matched only by their creativity, persistance and deep care for the world they were growing up in. These sixth graders took life on in all of their push pull pre adolescent glory. This was a “hit the ground running” year full of new learning, relationship building and always wondering what new challenge was ahead. In 2017 I wrote an article about my previous years in the classroom and how I left every year behind recognizing that my students always gave more to me than I could have ever given to them. This year was no different. I learned that I still love teaching and by far the best part is working directly with students, helping us both find the very best parts of ourselves in the journey together. This year turned out to be one none of us will ever forget. When I think of my student’s it is all I need to have hope in our future.