A few days ago, I told myself: What the heck, let’s see if my former students would be interested in donating a few books to the Kindle Classroom Project.
And so I went to Facebook and wrote this quick post:
And then, without any particular expectations, I waited.
I didn’t have to wait for long. The donations came swiftly and generously.
Along with some of the books, I received kind notes. Here’s one:
I am not surprised to still see you go above and beyond for your students. Keep it up, Isero! Our youth need you!
And here are a few more: “Great idea, Mr. Isero!” And, “I hope your students enjoy this! I’m glad to help out.” And, “I shall pay forward the gifts I received. Thank you!”
(It’s cute that some of my former students are 30+ years old and still call me Mr. Isero.)
Some teachers say that they love it when students come back to visit. Others say the greatest reward is knowing that they’ve made a difference. I don’t disagree with those sentiments.
But for me, I am most proud that my students have become good people in the world, that they care about important things, and that they work hard to do what’s right.
I am honored to have worked with all my students, and it is heartwarming that so many of them have chosen to give back.
Here are the former students who have donated books so far:
Collins, Deanna, Michael, Amanda, Henry, Rasheel, Cindy, Melva, Camila, May, Kimberlynn, Joey, and Kyle.
Here are the books they’ve donated so far:
Scorpions, Hole in My Life, Barrio Bushido, Into the Wild, Dopesick, Speak, Street Pharm, Finding Fish, Slavery By Another Name, Kindred, The Queen of Katwe, November Blues, Just Another Hero, Drown, Harlem Hustle, No Choirboy, Copper Sun, Getting Away With Murder, A Step from Heaven.
So if you’re counting, that’s 13 students donating a total of 19 books — in just 5 days.
Update, Oct. 9: Make that 20 students and 27 books, thanks to Jillian, Pedrito, Laura, Kat, Kati, Matt, and Steph! Their donations added The Things They Carried, The Skin I’m In, The Stranger, Darkness Before Dawn, Gil’s All Fright Diner, The Battle of Jericho, Esperanza Rising, and Warriors Don’t Cry.
Thank you, former students, for caring about my current students and their reading lives!