Unsolicited Joy

Japadog – Vancouver, BC

Yes… The Japadog does bring me great joy particularly when I am enjoying one with my family. My Japadog is the one on the far right with the strips of nori. It tasted like a mix between a California roll and a hot dog.  DELICIOUS.  What else brings me unsolicited joy are random emails, Facebook posts, or face-to-face interactions with parents of children whom I taught as a public school educator and independent consultant. Yesterday, I received an unexpected celebrating the educational journey and success this person’s child.  Yes, this “child” is at least 20 years old, but it’s nice to know that my work as a math educator transformed someone’s life in a positive way.  This child’s story was about failure, disengagement, and despair in high school math.  Yet, this child was totally able. Now, this child is in a place of confidence, competence, and joy in higher education.  It amazes me how teaching can change the trajectory of someone’s life and I continue to reap the benefits. Thank you for the email, feedback, and photos.  I am grateful.