Perks of the Job

One of the biggest perks of my job: watching students progress! Mind you, many of my students make me smile and I like to see former students in the hall, at Target, and so on. However, recently, two particular students have given me cause to reflect on how thankful I am that I have this job at this campus:

Today, one of my former students came in to my office. He has transferred to a nearby four-year school, but he came by to say hello. We chatted for quite awhile about the differences between that school and ours (let's just say he thinks quite favorably of our campus). It was fun to get his perspective on what students can/cannot get away with at each place, the professors, and so on. We also explore common interests such as travel plans and geo-caching. Fun stuff! It was really nice to catch up with him, and the time passed very quickly. I'm particularly pleased with how he is applying his writing knowledge and skills to his current upper-level courses!

A few weeks ago, another student, who still attends our college via distance ed but is working in another state--doing quite well for himself, was in town and dropped by to say hi as well. Again, we chatted for quite a while about not only classes and work, but common interests. Again, time flies when a person gets to chattering away, but this is the best kind of office time!

I have to say, these are two young gentlemen for whom I have extremely high expectations. Their futures are so bright, and I'm privileged to be even a tiny part of it. I hope they both keep in touch. Please understand: I have many students and I'm thrilled when they pass and I hope they all do well whether they transfer, become employed within their field, or whatever they choose to do; however, some stay in my memory a bit longer. Perhaps it is because shared interests and/or common backgrounds; maybe they took more than one class with me, or I advised them in some way outside of class. Regardless, each year a few evoke a bit of a protective--like a mother hen, I suppose--attitude in me.

As the semester end nears, I cannot wait to see who else emerges as the one(s) I anxiously await to hear from!