I tend to get weird at the end of the semester. Its something about not being able to say goodbye properly. Lets be real: the 16 week relationship with my students is a lot of contact. Relationships are formed. Sometimes friends are even made. So when that ‘finals week’ schedule comes round I start to feel like I am coming to the end of something worthwhile and remember that for the past four months I have been doing something incredibly worthwhile to myself and maybe to someone else as well.
Teaching is not a selfish profession, but I admit I do it because of how it feels to me. Teaching makes me feel like I’ve given something back to the community–something lasting. As a veteran of service learning I’ve had many opportunities to go into the community and contribute in some way. All of those things feel temporary when contrasted with teaching. As a teacher I have the goal to help students become comfortable and confident as learners. I reach out and try to help all, but If I can manage one then I’ve done my job. I’ve replaced myself in the community.
That replacement is a person who finds something in the learning they can hold onto and find a pathway to living based on that. I cannot stress enough the importance of finding such a path.
Some Thoughts:
- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Who knew?