This is the last week of the spring semester at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, making this the end of my first year teaching college writing.
I truly loved having this opportunity, taking on two different college writing classes and getting to know the first-year students. I had a few students both semesters, and was fortunate to see many of them grow and exceed their own expectations. … I also saw several start off strong and then let it slip away. That’s been a hard feeling for me.
I was telling Sophie about my frustrations and she told me not to take it personally … that, as a student herself, it’s really hard to stay focused and show up toward the end of the year.
I don’t ever take it personally. But I do feel sad at times, especially when I see the potential in some of those students. Someone once told me the sadness just means I care … I guess that’s a good way to look at it.
I’m very proud of so many of my students, especially the ones that really pushed themselves through. I also learned a lot about myself through those kids and this teaching experience. And come mid-August, I’ll be ready to do it all again, with three writing classes this fall.