Last day at Aiga elementary school

Today was my last day at one of the elementary schools I have been teaching at. I feel that I’ve made the least connection with the students at this school compared to the others. It was the only school where I was unable to play with the students during recess because of the schedule. The Vice Principal at this school was kind enough to show both me and Joe how to make soba. The experience was nice and it was really thoughtful of him to go through all this trouble for us. After making the soba we ate lunch with all of the students. It is a relatively small school, all of us could fit in this large tatami room.
During lunch they presented Joe and I with small thoughtful gifts. They thanked me for teaching them English for the year. Even though I didn’t feel a connection with any of the students in this school I couldn’t help getting choked up when it was my turn to address the school. I told them that it was a pleasure working with them, that the kids are really smart and that they should continue learning English. Some of the kids looked surprised that I said they were smart lol. I cut my speech short because I was afraid I was going to start crying. I felt sad that I wasn’t able to connect with them as I have connected with the other students. I also felt sadder that my time has run out, this was the last time I was going to see these kids.
After lunch I taught 1-4th graders. This little girl kept on smiling and saying “thank you” (for the sticker I gave her). When Joe and I were leaving she kept following us saying “thank you, see you” and I said “see you” but I knew that was it, I would probably never see this little girl ever again.