Tuesday, December 15, 2009

End of the Semester

Classes are over and the papers are coming in. It is always a somewhat bittersweet time. I'm happy to have a break from the weekly lecture preparation. I'm not so happy to have a stack of 90 papers in my office that need to be read. What I really miss, however, are the students. I like most of my students. I enjoy seeing them, watching their expressions, listening to their thoughts. It is hard for me to remember those seats, that view. The classroom looks very different from the front. Instead of the backs of heads, I see faces. I see those who are sleeping, daydreaming, texting, doing crossword puzzles...oh, and I see the few that are listening. I don't blame them. I was the same in college (well, except for the texting part).

But I do miss hearing about what happens to them in the next semester or year or after graduation. I get sort of attached to them, even if we only see each other a few hours a week and have little conversation. I still know who is getting good grades and who is not, who is late every week and who sits in the corner. I see the changing hair and clothing styles. I've always had a dream of having a couple meet in one of my classes, but as far as I know that has never happened!

So, to my 90 students this semester, Fall 09, I wish you the best. I hope some of you will keep in touch.

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