Every semester I have one group of students I enjoy more than the others. That doesn't mean I like each individual student from one class more than I like every student from any other class; it means that one group just meshes better, with me and each other, as a whole. This semester it's my Saturday class. Not one single time in the past sixteen weeks have I minded driving across town early on Saturday mornings. (Well, okay. There have been a few times when I would have been doing something else if I didn't have the class. Tonight, for example, my son's band is playing. They won't go onstage until 10:00, and I just can't be out late and make sense in an early class.) One of the reasons I enjoy the class so much is that nearly all the students, I would say twelve out of fifteen, are dedicated not only to doing their work and striving to get a good grade, but also to actually learning and retaining what I'm teaching.
Tomorrow I will get up a little earlier than usual (because sometimes five in the morning isn't quite early enough) and make a stop on my way in for coffee and donuts for my students to enjoy as they write their final essays. I sometimes bake cookies for finals day, but I think this will be better -- and less work. I know the students will appreciate it. I'm going to miss this group of people. I always hope to get another "good batch" the following semester. I'll wish these guys well and send them on their way -- sugared up and caffeinated.
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