Goodbye Sanxin School...an emotional last day

My final day is done. Got up very early this morning – one of those rare days when I wake up before my alarm rudely shouts at me. George and I had what turned out to be our last walk up to grade 6. I was supposed to have an extra class to do some testing, but in the end I just waited in the office and said goodbye to the grade 6 teachers – handing out thank you cards I had made. Then I headed over to grade 3 for my last two lessons with classes 3 and 4, who I love. I’ve always loved Fridays! After finishing off the last few tests, I said goodbye to the students and took photos. Dora, their teacher, explained to them that it was my last day and they all stood up and said thank you to me. Many of them began to cry and then I had a crowd of children gather around me to give me a big hug, tears running down their little faces! I just couldn’t hug them enough and really didn’t want to leave. I was barely holding back tears myself! (I just about managed until I got home) One of them called out ‘Rozel don’t go!’  It was a very emotional morning and as I walked through the school at lunch time I still had them running up to me, calling my name and giving me cuddles. This afternoon there were no lessons, as the students were preparing for the graduation performance which I have just been to tonight. A massive show put on by grade 6 – dancing, singing, musical instruments, the works! Paul was hosting, yet again, and Lorna was on stage singing with a few other teachers. Before it started I got to say some last goodbyes to my students, who came up to have photos taken with me. I can’t believe my final day at school has ended! I have had the most amazing 4 months here and will take some wonderful memories with me...but right now I just don’t want to say anymore goodbyes, it’s too sad and a part of me really wishes I didn’t have to leave.

• China
• teach in china interniship