All that glitters is gold...

Glitter. I was never a “girlie” girl…whatever that even means anymore. I didn’t like to wear dresses. I’d have a tantrum if you tried to put a bow in my hair. And don’t even get me STARTED on glitter. No way! I liked shorts and t-shirts and baseball caps. Whatever was comfortable. Most days I was covered in dirt, chasing lizards or playing baseball with the boys. Now days, however, show me glitter and you will see a beaming smile on my face. Not because I am any more likely to wear glittery things but because glitter has become a symbol that represents one of the brightest, kindest, most joy filled students I’ve ever known. She has, indeed, been asked to be called by this name. So today it is my deep joy to introduce you to Glitter.

Glitter is an extraordinary student. One who stands out without even trying. She is hilarious, kind, talented, brilliant, charismatic and, when needed, just the slightest bit sassy. She is an actress, singer, athlete and scholar. She is wonderful. During Glitter’s 7th grade year we were designing masks in my class. The assignment was to design a mask with symbols that represented the person making it. I gave examples…colors, animals, shapes, etc. Glitter raised her hand enthusiastically. Yes? “Ms. Laird! Can glitter be a symbol?!?” She was bursting with excitement. The whole class laughed. Not AT her but because it was so very her. “For you?” I answered. “Absolutely!” Honestly, if you had to pick a symbol to describe her there really is no better symbol. Well that one comment, as you can imagine, stuck. Not just for the rest of 7th grade but for all of 8th as well. It became her nickname and calling card. She started 8th grade by entering my classroom throwing glitter in the air and she left my class for the last time as my student at the end of 8th grade by making a grand glitter exit.

However, as with any story (and any person for that matter) there is much more to her. I will keep it a bit vague because anyone who knows her and reads this post will know exactly who I am talking about. But I want to acknowledge the rest of this amazing girl. Glitter thinks deeply about life. She is not always the peppy, outgoing, person she seems to be. She struggles with internal problems, as we all do. For a long time she kept them hidden. Fighting to keep up the persona we all knew. But there came a time where Glitter dropped her guard…with me anyway. And it was a gift. Beyond the enthusiasm and humor there was an even deeper beauty. A diamond. Forged by trial. Shining brightly through it all. She is strong. She has overcome so many things. She has demonstrated courage and perseverance many will not have the opportunity to see. Even when our end of the year trip was taken from her due to a freak accident, she carried on with a smile and a message for the world to keep on going. She carries on, bringing joy, laughter and light to the world around her.

In my years of teaching Glitter, and knowing her through her family since, I have learned a tremendous amount. I have been encouraged by her persistence and optimism even in the face of challenges. I have been inspired by her willingness to open up about difficult things in her life and fight to overcome them. And I have received joy from watching her bright smile and kindness towards others. I have learned to love Glitter (and, consequently, actual glitter) because it IS a symbol. A symbol of so many beautiful things. And a reminder of the beauty, strength, wonder and enthusiasm that live within us all.

Wishing you all the glitter.

- KL