So there.
I just finished grading my students’ Humanities papers. I can’t believe the work they’ve done. Their papers are thoughtful, insightful, and mostly grammatical. They have each grown along a trajectory that is uniquely their own. After I hand their papers back, I will put several final drafts up with their permission.
We only have 21 work days left until the end of the year (not that I’m counting), but I feel that I’ve been especially blessed to have such solid group of students when I’m in my last year of (teaching) middle school.
And I think it really is. I signed up for the first class of the doctoral degree. It starts a month after school lets out. When I was on campus turning in paperwork and asking lots of ridiculous questions, I couldn’t help being giddy. I love teaching, and I love my students, but I know that where I really want to be is on a college campus as either a student or a professor or both.
I know that being a classroom teacher is what has motivated me to move forward with this decision. It’s yahoots like the ones I have now, and the ones I’ve had before who make me face up to this “life-long learner” business. I want to know more, and I want to help others know more. I owe a pretty big debt of gratitude to the years and years of students, parents, and co-workers who have made me understand the importance of being honest to yourself. And honestly, I’m ready to move on.
But before I do, I’d like to officially thank my students. You’ve made me most of who I am today.
Thank you.
Merifully Teaching 