When I was a teenager, I went on a mission trip to Amsterdam, New York. While in New York, we did a Day camp for the children at a church in the community that lasted four days. I met a young girl, about the age of 6, named Avery. For four days, Avery stayed with me every minute she could. I played with her, and talked with her. I had a wonderful time. When it came time for us to leave, and go back home to Arkansas, I realized how much of an impact on Avery's life I had made, and on how much she had made on mine as well. Leaving her was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. She was crying and begging me not to go, and hugging so tight I could hardly get her to let go. Finally when I was able to calm her down and ensure her that I would be back the next year to see her, I got on our bus and headed home. Most of my trip home, I cried and thought constantly of Avery. Thinking back on this experience now, if I can make such a huge impression on a young child's life after only four days, how much bigger would the impression be if I was a child's teacher everyday for months and months? Coming to this realization has encouraged me to work harder at my job, and to find ways to make each day a great learning experience for my babies in my class!