Dogs can teach you a lot. That is certainly the case for my dog Molly. She has taught me every important lesson that I need for life. Patience comes first. Sometimes you need to wait until 7 am to be let out or until 5:00 pm to eat even if you're hungry. For her efforts I am now successful at controlling my temper (which is hard) when I need to wait for my morning bathroom time or for my TV dinner to be done in the microwave. Next comes faith. No matter how many times I pretend to throw the ball, Molly always jumps to catch it. This was a great lesson for me because it brought me closer to God. I now know that He may not answer me right away, but one day He will. Then there's forgiveness. No matter how many times we tell her that she's bad or leave her out for a night, as soon as she senses we're not that angry she returns to the generally happy, goofy dog that she is, and pretends that nothing actually happened. I can now diffuse an argument before it starts, know when I have to say sorry and when it's my time to forgive. Finally there is love. As soon as someone poses no threat she loves them and it's always the same amount for everyone. I now no longer accuse my mom of loving my sister more because I understand she loves us both the same. Dogs can teach you a lot. I know mine has.
Many times in teaching the greatest "moments" occur when our students surpass our expectations/limitations. While marking a question on a English assessment written in class, Daryka Murray, a grade 8 student, provided one such moment. Below is her response to the question: "Think of something that you have had to work hard to achieve or learn. Write a piece to explain who has been your teacher and what you have learned?"
Dogs can teach you a lot. That is certainly the case for my dog Molly. She has taught me every important lesson that I need for life. Patience comes first. Sometimes you need to wait until 7 am to be let out or until 5:00 pm to eat even if you're hungry. For her efforts I am now successful at controlling my temper (which is hard) when I need to wait for my morning bathroom time or for my TV dinner to be done in the microwave. Next comes faith. No matter how many times I pretend to throw the ball, Molly always jumps to catch it. This was a great lesson for me because it brought me closer to God. I now know that He may not answer me right away, but one day He will. Then there's forgiveness. No matter how many times we tell her that she's bad or leave her out for a night, as soon as she senses we're not that angry she returns to the generally happy, goofy dog that she is, and pretends that nothing actually happened. I can now diffuse an argument before it starts, know when I have to say sorry and when it's my time to forgive. Finally there is love. As soon as someone poses no threat she loves them and it's always the same amount for everyone. I now no longer accuse my mom of loving my sister more because I understand she loves us both the same. Dogs can teach you a lot. I know mine has.
8 Comments
Danika Barker
5/18/2011 11:39:13 am
I thought this was a really moving piece of writing, Daryka. When I was growing up I always had a dog as part of our family and your post really made me miss those dogs! I think when we look at animals we're reminded of the things in life that really matter. Great work!
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David Kelly
5/18/2011 12:21:26 pm
Daryka,
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Erin Klein
5/18/2011 12:49:39 pm
Daryka,
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Pam Moran
5/18/2011 08:42:18 pm
You've created a lovely story metaphor of teacher, defining learning and teaching from a fresh point of view. I was left wondering,"If Molly could write, how would she describe what she's learned from?"
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Jena Wayt
5/18/2011 09:03:54 pm
Daryka,
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5/19/2011 10:18:57 am
This is a very reflective piece of writing. You have identified your own struggles and are beginning to identify strategies to help you cope. I have a 13 year old daughter and I hope she gets to this place of reflection. You analogy of a dog's life puts our lives into perspective. Thanks for giving me something to ponder.
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Jo-Anne Rent
5/19/2011 10:34:13 am
Daryka,
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Dawn Fewer
6/7/2011 09:47:35 am
Daryka,
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September 2014
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