Working at a middle school is hard on its own. The year of 2017 I volunteered at a middle school in California. Monday-Friday spending 10-14 hours working, teaching, and creating lesson plans. I was not easy but every day I woke up ready to give 100 percent to each of my students. This was only a one-year commitment so I knew that I could sacrifice a year to help these students. 2017 was not an easy year for my family. No one is ever prepared for the loss of a close family member, let alone four of them. I lost my uncles, two aunts, and a cousin.
Whilst I wanted to be energetic, happy, and present for my students it was not easy. Three months into working there we found out my uncle had stage four cancer; doctors only giving him two months to live. He died shortly after and it was extremely hard for everyone in my family. Three months later his mom, my great aunt passed away suddenly. This was a shock and it felt so strange to lose someone this close to us. As time went on, we lost more close relatives. I was not used to this, spending time with family members not to celebrate and have fun, but to grieve the lost of our loved ones. Over and over again, month after month, just grieving.
This unfortunately bled through to my work and my students started to notice something was a little off. I did not want them to worry or to burden them because my goal was to help them learn, succeed, and raise both their state test scores and grades. I realized that the best way I could give my kids what they needed was to be honest. I told them what had happened and I did not except what came next.
One morning I was at school before everyone else, per usual, and I was shocked to find that most of my students were waiting for me in front of the school with letters, balloons, and food. I reminded them that it was not my birthday and even if it was, they did not need to do anything for me. Letters filled with poems and words of affirmation. They went above and beyond for me. They were kids so they still gave me days filled with attitude and frustration because I was being “too hard” on them, nothing I cannot handle. Everything they did was out of the kindness of their hearts and I did not expect any of it. Every day they would come to my office whether it was to talk about grief and thing that they were going through in their own lives or just simply make sure that I was okay.
Another time they came into my office and told me they wanted a lesson on grief. We all went around and talked about a time we were going through grief. This was a very emotional day and we all learned or were reminded that grief is not something that goes away. People do not think about the families who have lost someone six months after or even a year after. It is never that we get over it, we just get used to missing them. It is something that never goes away. Up until this day my students still reach out to me. They ask me questions about love, loss, and friendship.
They recently started high school and I am always here for them every step of the way. No one expected a pandemic would happen and we would be stuck on lock down. We are losing our loved ones everyday and now we could learn how to cope not just with loss but doing it alone.
To my students,
Words are never enough. Thank you for always listening. Some times that is all we need.
About the Creator
KP
The most exciting thing about me are my cats.
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts28 days ago in Longevity
Rare Fungus Spotted for First Time in 50 Years
Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a rare fungus species that had not been seen in the wild for more than half a century, marking a major breakthrough in biodiversity research and conservation science. The fungus, believed to have vanished due to habitat loss and environmental changes, was found during a routine ecological survey in a remote forest region. Researchers described the find as “extraordinary,” noting that many species disappear quietly without ever being rediscovered. The reappearance of this fungus offers new hope for conservation efforts and raises important questions about what other organisms may still survive undetected. A Surprise Discovery The fungus was identified by a team of mycologists conducting a long-term study of forest ecosystems. While collecting soil and plant samples, researchers noticed unusual fruiting bodies growing on decaying tree bark. Laboratory analysis later confirmed it was the same species last recorded in the early 1970s. “It was completely unexpected,” said one of the lead scientists involved in the study. “We assumed this species was either extinct or extremely close to it. Finding it again shows how little we still know about fungal diversity.” The fungus is known for its distinctive pale coloring and fragile structure, which makes it difficult to detect. It only appears under very specific environmental conditions, including high humidity, stable temperatures, and the presence of certain tree species. Why It Disappeared Experts believe the fungus vanished from records due to deforestation, climate shifts, and pollution. Fungi are especially sensitive to changes in moisture and soil chemistry. Even small alterations in forest environments can disrupt their life cycles. In the decades following its last sighting, large areas of woodland were cleared for agriculture and development. The loss of old-growth trees removed the fungus’s natural habitat, making survival difficult. Climate change may have played a role as well. Warmer temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns likely reduced the narrow window in which the fungus could grow and reproduce. Importance to the Ecosystem Although small and easily overlooked, fungi play a critical role in ecosystems. They break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and form symbiotic relationships with plants. This rare species is believed to help decompose specific types of hardwood, contributing to soil health and forest regeneration. “This fungus is part of a hidden network that supports entire ecosystems,” explained a forest ecologist. “Its return suggests the environment may be recovering in subtle ways.” Scientists are now studying the fungus’s genetic makeup to understand how it survived for so long undetected. Some believe it may have adapted to new conditions or retreated into isolated microhabitats. Conservation Implications The rediscovery highlights the importance of protecting remaining natural forests. Conservation groups argue that this finding proves even heavily impacted environments can still shelter rare life forms. Following the discovery, local authorities announced plans to limit logging and increase monitoring in the area. The site where the fungus was found will likely be designated a protected research zone. Environmental organizations welcomed the news but warned that protection must be long-term. “One rediscovery does not mean the species is safe,” said a conservation spokesperson. “It means we have been given a second chance.” A Growing Trend of Rediscoveries The fungus is not the only species to reappear after decades of absence. In recent years, scientists have rediscovered rare frogs, birds, and insects once thought extinct. Improved technology, satellite mapping, and DNA analysis have made it easier to identify species in hard-to-reach locations. However, experts caution that such success stories are rare compared to the number of species quietly disappearing each year. “Rediscoveries make headlines, but extinction happens every day without notice,” said a biodiversity researcher. “This is why protecting habitats is so urgent.” Public Interest and Scientific Curiosity News of the fungus’s return has sparked excitement among scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Social media images of the tiny organism have circulated widely, drawing attention to fungi as an often-ignored part of biodiversity. Schools and universities are already discussing the discovery in biology classes as an example of resilience and the importance of field research. For scientists, the fungus offers a valuable opportunity to study long-term survival under environmental stress. Understanding how it endured decades of change could help researchers predict which species are most likely to survive future climate challenges. What Happens Next Researchers will continue to monitor the area over the coming months to see if more specimens appear. They plan to map its distribution and analyze soil and tree conditions to understand why it survived there. Strict guidelines have been issued to prevent tourists or collectors from disturbing the site. Scientists stress that human interference could easily destroy the fragile population. “This fungus survived half a century in silence,” said one researcher. “Our responsibility now is to make sure it does not disappear again.” A Symbol of Hope The rediscovery of the rare fungus serves as a powerful reminder that nature still holds secrets, even in a world shaped by human activity. It also underscores the need for patience, protection, and respect for ecosystems that operate beyond human notice. While many environmental stories focus on loss, this one offers a rare moment of hope. A species once thought gone has quietly returned, proving that life can persist even under the most challenging conditions. For scientists and conservationists, it is not just a scientific achievement—it is a call to safeguard what remains before more wonders vanish unseen.
By Fiaz Ahmed 4 days ago in Longevity
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