Right before the beginning of each semester, I get so nervous and question myself. I worry that I am too old to go back to school and will not be accepted. I would like to thank everyone for making feel like a student and accepting me for who I am. Ms. Swan, your creative spirit and progressive style have dusted off the wheels in my mind and made me think again. What a great gift you have and give so freely. I did enjoy ALL of the speakers, some more than others, and I learned something from each of them. I can say the same for each of my fellow classmates. I felt a sense of sadness each time our learning community lost one of our own; sadness because they were missing out on getting to know a great group of people, thinkers, athletes, musicians, and artists. I would like to think that our class had a special and unique dynamic. However, with Ms. Swan at the helm, I have a feeling that all of her classes are pretty special. So like Johnny, I will be a little corny, my life is changed for the better having shared every Tuesday and Thursday morning as part of this group. I will miss "this"...........immensely.
p.s. I felt a little sense of accomplishment Thursday, Robert stayed awake for my presentation!!!!!
Each time some of us left it was like "Awww, I wonder why he/she would want to leave this". While we did have a special and unique dynamic in our class, I always wondered what Ms. Swan's other classes were like too lol. Just like you said, I'll miss "this" immensely.
ReplyDeletePS: Being able to keep Robert awake is a feat in itself, and you managed to even get questions out of him too lol. Oh!! and thanks for the compliment.
Well, Shanna, I must be honest. I worry about being accepted in the classroom as well. Particularly with students like you who bring such a wealth of experience to the classroom, I feel inadequate in my role as a "teacher." I am a student above all else, and yes, every group of students is both special and has something to teach me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about the ways in which our educational institutions repress the individual in each and every individual student, my first reaction is anger and my second is action. I refuse to intentionally exclude the voices--the passions, the ideas, the strengths, the challenges--of those who should matter most in the classroom. Sometimes, I fail. Sometimes, I succeed. Success, though, is a result of the willingness of students like you to make yourselves vulnerable as you expose, in your writing, who you are. In climates that cultivate fear of not being accepted, this courage is a testament to your resiliency.
That, my teacher, is a powerful example.
Your student,
Jessica
Awesome blog! This class made me feel more comfortable writting papers but more importantly I got a Chilli breakfast out of it and was happy! Ms. Swan has done a great job this year and I am glad to have had her.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment: Thanks so much!!! I'm still shocked my letter was picked lol.
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