from my nose to yours.

I have a cold;an annoying cold. I haven't had a common cold for years. I haven't written for even longer it would seem. Apparently it takes a runny nose to create some sort of an ache to write. I have a miserable nose just waiting to fall asleep but all I can think about is writing a long awaited blog which won't be viewed by many anyhow. Nonetheless, my ache to write has overthrown my achy nose.

Here goes...(sorry nose)

I talked to a good friend of mind today and she reminded me that I love to write. She reminded me who I was and the gifts I bring to my classrooms as I patiently teach them how to become better writers.

I'm on a break from teaching at the moment but I must admit I do miss it. As challenging as it is to attempt to get twenty-five 18 year olds to embrace composition,I'm always up for the challenge it would seem(well, most of the time...).

I was reminded today how much I care about my students and the success they have in their lives. My classes have always been geared towards the interest of the student, whether this be putting together an interesting collaborative assignment for their sake or extending the due date of a paper;however, I'm beginning to change my definition of "student's interest". For example, if a student deserves a B, they receive a B, no negotiations or extra credit benefits(particularly at the end of the semester). Setting boundaries for myself is what I strive for in my current position. I don't feel "being nice" or "popular" is the key to a successful classroom, only detrimental to student learning. I am there to facilitate learning. I am there to create a safe atmosphere where students feel free to become themselves as composition and rhetoric requires this of its students.

I will set boundaries for myself as an instructor and commit to them fully throughout the semester. This will require reminding myself that these boundaries exist for a reason: to create successful students and successful writing. Period.

I breathe a sigh of relief as I conclude this blog. good night nose. Feel better tomorrow.