This year I am leaving my classroom at Phillips High School. My students have flattered me by suggesting that I need to come back just one more year. The reason that I am leaving the classroom is that I have dreams to pursue and I want to chase them before I get too old to do so. I want to go to school, be the student, not the teacher. I want to write poetry and short stories, maybe even a book; I want to paint flowers on furniture; I want to read all the best books twice. It is a very scary time for me; my future is unknown, just as the future is unknown for the seniors who graduate. Will I find my place in the world, a place to fit in? Will I be able to support myself? What will I do when I grow up? I leave all the wonderful students I have known with a few familiar comments: When you are there, remember, “All the most important people are here.” When you do the wrong thing, “Be sorry enough to stop.” When you are disruptive or distracted, “Come back to class.” Always come back to class…