We are in the home-stretch of the fall semester, and I couldn't be happier to see the light up ahead. This semester has been a challenge, with teaching more classes than I ever had before. My students, however, were gems. In the midst of grading their last essays--before final portfolios, that is--I am charmed and entertained and I get it. It is so very satisfying to identify the various ways in which my students grow as writers. With the tough middle-months of the semester behind me, I can stretch into these last essays like a cat in a sun-patch. I get to settle in and see the "after" work of students who have gritted it out for 14 seemingly-long weeks.
It's good that we are at the end, too, because my shoulder has been so sore lately! Intently reading and commenting on hundreds of essays does not do a body good, however pleasantly my students express themselves. At least, with the end of the tunnel close at hand, I can be encouraged. There is hope, rest, right around the corner.
Bring it on!
