A few weeks ago, I was helping pass out student belongings at my school. We didn’t know on March 13, 2020 that the students would not step foot inside the school building again this school year, so many of their belongings were just left in the cubbies and desks. We all tearfully packed their things, and then helped to pass them out as their parents drove by the school building. It was a final chance to see my students in person before the summer break.

Then a car pulled up with one of my students from last year. He was waving and his mom was calling my name. He had a gift for me with a card. It was a beautiful face mask. His mom said he wanted to make sure I had one to be safe.

I love this mask, and I will wear it with pride.

Today in NC, masks are now mandated in public. I have actually been stocking up on different masks in different materials, and different styles — it is almost a new fashion obsession. But this is the mask that touches my heart.