Yesterday was so full of the Awesome. My seminars were great -- the second one especially broke out into a fascinating half-hour debate in which I said practically nothing and just sat back and listened to their storm of ideas. Poetry, ideology and figurative language have never had it so good. Then my office hours turned into a mini-tutorial as a half dozen of them crammed into my borrowed space in the department to bounce essay topics and develop their arguments together, then they all waited around to have a one-on-one with me afterwards. In the end I think I saw about a dozen students, which is record breaking and lovely.
Best of all were two moments that confirmed just how much I love doing this.
The first one came after I spent five minutes trying not to compound 'engineering' and 'genius' into 'engenius' in my description of Seamus Heaney's poetic skillz. The student I was with grinned after I apologised for the nth time and said, 'That's all right, we call your seminars "The Emmminars".'
The second came with my last student of the day. He had shown me all the books he was using as research material and we'd gone over his plan and agreed he was on to something potentially rather fantastic and as he was packing up his things he said, 'You know, I really appreciate all the comments you made on my last essay. It wasn't vague or obscure. I know exactly what I have to do to improve it, so thanks.' I blushed and said I was glad he got something out of it, and he said, 'This is my favourite class. It's got substance; I like that we actually get a chance to dig into a novel and see what's there.'
Then he picked up his bag and bade me a pleasant weekend.
I think if he'd have gone on I would have ended up doing something wildly inappropriate, 'cos dude! How cool is that?
Sounds like you are an inspiring tutor! I am so glad you are getting the appreciation you deserve!
Posted by: Roobeedoo | February 02, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I wish I had you in *any* of my classes for grad school. Then maybe I wouldn't have left in such overwhelming disappointed anger! Nice work -- it s so good to see there are people who want to teach (and learn!) still out there.
Posted by: kate | February 01, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Wow! Congrats on such lovely feedback (and a pat on the back for all of the work that goes in to getting such wonderful comments)!
Posted by: katie m. | February 01, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Though I am many decades past my university years, I can still vividly recall three professors who made learning an absolute joy (all of them English Lit. professors). It is wonderful that your students already recognize your talents as an educator. Congratulations!
Posted by: Mary | January 31, 2009 at 11:03 PM
That is awesome! It's great being appreciated!
Posted by: Laura | January 31, 2009 at 07:21 PM