“Here I Am!”

Written & Illustrated by: Alyssa Sibiga est. 2001

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I was a first grader; here I am! 

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I wanted to be just like Ms. G. with a smile you couldn’t forget.

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I wanted to hear my shoes “click-clack” down the hallway.

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I thought teachers were superheroes with magical powers. 

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I didn’t realize my “click-clack”- shoes would be a regret when I felt the sting by 3:00 pm. 

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I never knew what it would be like to make someone else’s classroom feel like your own. 

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I couldn’t imagine that I would spend my first year officially teaching in a world-wide pandemic. 

Before I was a first grade teacher, 

I wasn’t aware that I’d still be me- just a little more tired, and hopelessly in love with 17 tiny humans; here I am!

Slice of LIfeI am slicing with Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers March Slice a Day Challenge! I’m slicing every day this month. Thanks for stopping by. #SOL21

13 comments

  2. Oh what a lovely first slice! I love the repeating lines and how you contrast being a 1st grader yourself with being a teacher now. The lines about the shoes made me laugh because I’ve definitely been there before! And what a year to be a first-year teacher. Looking forward to more of your slices!

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  3. Yes, yes! Here you are! Love this. This line in particular jumped out at me, “I never knew what it would be like to make someone else’s classroom feel like your own.” – this is one of the hallmarks of REALLY being the teacher, when you own the space. Such a great detail to notice!

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  4. This is beautiful. I love it. I’m so glad you are a first grade teacher!
    Before I was a teacher I too wanted my shoes to click clack down the hallway.

    Really, Alyssa – this is a powerful and detailed piece. Love the rhythm and structure.

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  7. WELCOME! What a terrific way to begin! I love “I didn’t realize my “click-clack”- shoes would be a regret when I felt the sting by 3:00 pm.” The profession, those kids, and us, all lucky to have you in the mix.

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  8. Before you were a 1st grade teacher I was a 1st grade teacher in your room:) You made me laugh with the line about the shoes. I have a theory that teacher shoe choice correlates with years of teaching. I love your Before That slice! It’s thoughtful and humorous. Maybe we’ll all do a graphic novel slice before this is over. So glad to be slicing with you!

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  9. I am charmed by your piece! Like the other commenters, I love your structure, and how your alternating lines of the present build toward your first year’s experience. I also love how you begin and end with your triumphant “Here I am!”
    What a year to begin, and you are adding this writing challenge to it, too. But that is a good choice, I am sure you will find.
    So glad you have the drawing- Every author needs to keep their earlier pieces to show!

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  10. I love the alternating format of your poem with the repeated line! It’s wonderful to look back at who we were as we reflect on who we are now! Welcome to the March challenge; it’s an incredible community!

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