Dear 1306
To the students I worked with as a student teacher.
Dear 1306,
For so long, I did not know myself. I lived my life aimlessly, not understanding that I was in fact still here, that I had beat my own deadline for my life. Of course, I still reap the consequences of expecting such a swift end. Every day is a gift, truly, as I breathe in the air and learn how to live again, how to live in ignorance of the sword that hangs over us all. These days, I simply pay no mind to it, just let it swing.
When I decided to teach, all those years ago, it was nothing more than an answer to get my own English teacher to stop asking me about my plans past a day I could not see myself living beyond. I did not make plans except for not being here. I reached that day, and every single day beyond that has been spent doing nothing more than “going”. With every single sunrise, I simply keep going. Doing my homework is me “going”, brushing my teeth, petting a dog, watching a bird fly, being hungry, being sad. I kept going so much that I put myself through college simply on the basis that at least I was doing something with my life. I knew if I had to keep living, then I could not do something that I was incapable of doing. Teaching became nothing more than something I could do, not necessarily something I wanted to do. I had no idea what I wanted to do…
…until I met all of you. I listened to your stories, I learned not only your hardships and struggles, but who you are as people. I watched all of you beat the odds other people did not believe you could beat. Suddenly, everything made sense. When I was your age, I could not save myself, not entirely anyway. My body, my physical being, kept going, but my mind changed. It had been to places nobody that young should be made to travel, seen and felt things none that age should have to experience. If I could not save myself, I knew, I could do everything in the power I have now, the power I did not have back then, to make your lives even just a little better, just a little easier.
You gave me passion again. You gave me a purpose, and you made me a part of something bigger than myself, bigger than simply surviving my days. I wake up in the morning thrilled to see all of your faces because I know we are going to do fantastic things. I love when you ask me for help, and I love rooting you on once you start to realize that you know the answer, and you do not need me as much as you think. Watching each and every one of you grow, learn, laugh and work hard fills me with pride, and I am thankful for every second of it.
You all are going to grow up to be absolutely fantastic humans and live fantastic lives, and I am blessed and honored to be a part of getting you to that finish line, a better and brighter finish line than I aimed for for myself. I know the work is hard, but you all work harder every single day. No matter what happens to you after you leave our room, no matter what path you head down, I sincerely hope you remember this: never stop working hard, never stop learning all that you can learn, and never give up on yourself.
To the students of classroom 1306: Thank you.
About the Creator
Lizzy Rose
I am a poet, fiction/fantasy writer, as well as a cosplayer and cover singer on Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube. You can find me elsewhere at the link below!
https://linktr.ee/lizzyrose12
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The Fall of Styx
The river ran backwards on the day the Queen vanished. The souls of Tartarus cheered in ecstasy as the forces holding them prisoner died down, and those of Elysium begged for aid as they were pulled forth ‘gainst their will. The true horror was Asphodel, as their typical moaning, groaning, and unenthused, hushed voices rose in a symphony of distress, uprooted from their peacefully average days. Each soul, regardless of their prior lodgings, howled in agony as they reached the last remaining shreds of barrier that coated the river’s surface and made up the gates of the Underworld. It clawed at them, wrestling to hold onto its prisoners as it was tasked to.
By Lizzy Roseabout a year ago in Fiction
Hind Rajab: A Child the World Heard Too Late
Cinema has always been a powerful medium for telling stories that history books often reduce to numbers. When a film chooses to focus on a single child caught in the machinery of war, it forces audiences to confront reality not as statistics, but as human loss. The movie inspired by the tragic story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl, does exactly that. It is not merely a film; it is a testimony, a memorial, and a question posed to the conscience of the world. Hind Rajab’s name became known globally after reports emerged of her final hours during the Gaza conflict. She was a child trapped in circumstances no child should ever experience. The film based on her story does not sensationalize her death, nor does it turn her suffering into spectacle. Instead, it approaches her story with restraint, dignity, and an unwavering focus on innocence lost amid violence. The Story at the Heart of the Film The movie centers on a young Palestinian girl who becomes separated from safety during intense military escalation. Through her eyes, viewers witness fear, confusion, and the fragile hope that someone, somewhere, will come to help. The film follows her final journey—both physical and emotional—using minimal dialogue and powerful visual storytelling. Rather than relying on graphic imagery, the filmmakers choose silence, pauses, and close-up shots to convey terror and vulnerability. This artistic choice makes the film even more haunting. The audience is left to sit with the child’s fear, her calls for help, and the unbearable waiting that defines her final moments. By focusing on Hind as an individual rather than a symbol, the film restores her humanity. She is not portrayed as a political tool, but as a daughter, a child with dreams, and a life that mattered. A Child as the Center of a Global Tragedy What makes this movie particularly impactful is its refusal to shift focus away from the civilian cost of war. The story does not revolve around soldiers, strategies, or power struggles. It revolves around a child who should have been worried about school, friends, and play—not survival. This narrative choice challenges the audience to rethink how conflicts are discussed in media and politics. Wars are often framed in terms of borders, ideologies, and victory. This film asks a different question: What is the price paid by those who have no role in choosing the war? By centering the story on Hind, the film exposes the imbalance of power and the devastating consequences faced by the most vulnerable. Artistic Direction and Emotional Weight The film’s direction is deliberately restrained. There is no dramatic background score overpowering the scenes. Instead, ambient sounds—distant explosions, static-filled phone calls, the quiet breathing of a frightened child—carry the emotional weight. This realism makes the film deeply unsettling. The young actress portraying Hind delivers a performance that is heartbreakingly authentic. Her expressions alone communicate fear, confusion, and bravery far beyond her years. The filmmakers avoid overacting or melodrama, allowing the story’s truth to speak for itself. Cinematography plays a crucial role as well. Tight frames and limited perspectives reinforce the feeling of entrapment, while long, unbroken shots force viewers to experience time as Hind did—slow, uncertain, and terrifying. A Political Film Without Political Speeches One of the film’s greatest strengths is that it does not rely on speeches or overt political messaging. Its power lies in its simplicity. By telling one child’s story honestly, it exposes the broader reality of civilian suffering in conflict zones. The film does not tell audiences what to think. Instead, it asks them to feel—and that is far more powerful. Viewers are left to grapple with difficult questions about responsibility, accountability, and the value of human life. This approach has made the movie resonate across cultures and ideologies. Even those unfamiliar with the details of the Palestinian struggle can connect with the universal themes of childhood, fear, and loss. Reception and Global Impact Since its release, the film has sparked intense discussion on social media, in film circles, and among human rights advocates. Many viewers describe it as one of the most emotionally challenging films they have ever watched. Critics have praised its ethical storytelling and refusal to exploit tragedy. For many, the movie serves as an entry point into understanding the human cost of the Gaza conflict. It has been screened at independent film festivals and community events, often followed by discussions about civilian protection and children in war zones. Most importantly, the film ensures that Hind Rajab’s name is not forgotten. In a world where news cycles move quickly, cinema has given her story permanence. Why This Film Matters This movie matters because it stands against normalization of suffering. It reminds us that behind every headline about war are real people, real families, and real children whose lives are forever altered—or ended. By immortalizing Hind Rajab’s story, the film becomes an act of resistance against silence. It insists that her life had meaning and that her death deserves acknowledgment, reflection, and accountability. In the end, this is not just a film about one Palestinian girl. It is a film about every child trapped in conflict, every unanswered call for help, and every moment when humanity fails its youngest members. Cinema cannot undo tragedy, but it can refuse to let it be ignored. And in doing so, this film ensures that Hind Rajab’s story continues to speak—long after the screen fades to black.
By Hasbanullah4 days ago in Humans
Comments (23)
Good 👍
Have you been
Congratulations on First Place Win - Well Deserved!!!
So beautiful 🙏❤️
Congratulations! I wish I had had this kind of relationship with my teachers.
What a stirringly lovely sentiment and ode to the healing power of purpose and love.
Wow this is incredible! Congrats on your win!
This is so sweet 🥹 Congratulations on your win!!
Well deserved win!🥇✅ Very inspirational! I especially liked: “You gave me passion again. You gave me a purpose, and you made me a part of something bigger than myself, bigger than simply surviving my days.”😊
Teaching isn't easy. Kudos to you.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I bet they remember you fondly. Congratulations!
Congrats on your win! Well deserved!
Congratulation on the win
Oh, Congratulations!!! On winning the 1st spot ❤
well done
What a dynamic and pivotal piece. Your story is so inspiring and genuine. Teachers have such a profound impact on students that is sometimes not even recognized until many years later. Congratulations, too, on the well deserved Top Story recognition.
Such a very heartfelt story. And very inspiring.
support me
A beautiful testament to the power of human connection. Your words are a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to live with purpose and passion. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt letter. The line 'I could not save myself, not entirely anyway' is so powerful. Your honesty and vulnerability are truly inspiring.
Wonderful story. It is true that we find purpose in serving others. Emoting inwards is way more positive than looking inwards. Congrats.
Great storytelling! You've done such a good job provoking emotion as well. It sounds like you are excelling, which is awesome. :)
Wow! You've done it intriguingly ✨