During the last week of actual classes (this doesn't count finals week which is a totally different beast altogether), I walked into both my classes with camera in hand. I took pictures of them both as I walked through the door. Some were shocked, some laughed, some didn't even flinch even after noticing what I did.
I wanted to get a snapshot of my classes to have a physical item attached to my memory of this Spring 2009 semester. I didn't want to rely on my "mental picture" of the classes from my first semester as a college professor (some of my colleagues would argue I'm not a professor at all unless I'm a full time instructor). I figured an ACTUAL picture (or, in this case, pictures) would serve the purpose a wee bit better.
I gave them a chance to object or protest over me taking the pics. I agreed that if anyone DID object, I would delete them on the spot. Thankfully, no one objected... in either class. If anything they were supportive of my decision to take (and keep) the picture once I explained why I took it. I'm not planning to post them on Facebook or have them appear on this ol' blog. Nor will I have a digital frame in my office to have them on permanent display there. It'll stay in my archives and every once in a while I'll take them out and have a quick look at them.
I took the pictures because I know that when the day comes that I begin questioning why I teach, or if I ever begin feeling extremely frustrated with the profession, I will have the pictures as a reminder of how I felt this first semester. Two great classes!! I couldn't have asked for anything better.
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to them this week (the dreaded "Finals Week"). I am ecstatic that the semester is coming to an end allowing me the chance to enjoy my summertime off. Yet, at the same time, I am feeling a great sense of melancholy at knowing I won't see my "kids" again, all together in the same classroom. I told my classes this and it bears repeating here: If my classes in the future are half as good as these two have been, I will be a lucky man!
I expect to be teaching for a while. Hopefully it won't only be stats but I wouldn't mind it if that's how things worked out. There's also a chance that all my teaching years may not even be spent at Queens College. But I know I love what I do and this semester I have looked forward to every single class meeting (even the morning class which, for those of you who know me well, was torture since I'm not a morning person).
If any of my students from the Spring '09 semester happen to be reading this, thank you for being a part of one of the best times of my life!!!
Until next time, faithful reader....
