That’s Professor Wrecking Ball to you

I’m used to grade complaints, pleas for leniency, well wishes, the occasional hug. But at the end of last semester, I was blown away by one of my classes.After final presentations–after days and weeks of working on difficult term papers–they offered me a most beautiful gift: A pile of chocolate and a handmade thank you card which most everyone had signed.

The chocolate was a sweet touch (pun intended) but the words? I’ve rarely felt so honored at the end of a class.

The card itself is a nod to a running class joke–never again will I assign such an irritating pop culture artifact for analysis–but I couldn’t help but smile at it. I’ll even admit that Miley Cyrus graced my fridge for a time.

Although I kept my tears in check until hours later–several students asked if I going to cry in class–I remain touched by this gesture and grateful for thoughtful students. Definitely reminds me of why I love teaching so much!

I’m going to miss these students so much!

shawna

Editor’s note: Cross-posted from www.bluestmuse.com
Other teaching type posts:

• First day of school rituals
• Stripper turns award-winning college instructor? Hardly. Welcome to my most embarrassing moment in the classroom.
• Communicating with your college professor: 13 Dos and Don’ts
• Back in the teaching saddle and loving it!
• Grading Nazi/kindergarten teacher/saint: Processing student evaluations
• The loves and hates of teaching
• Reading about spiritual practices: Sometimes grading can be fun
• Grades are not Halloween candy
• Wait, they’re not actually demon seed?