I find myself getting very sentimental this time of year, at least in the moments when I'm not completely stressed out or panicked over something. I have to constantly make lists, trying to keep myself on schedule so I won't forget any of the many end-of-semester duties. But I could also make a list of the things that I will miss as the Spring of 2008 comes to a close.
1. The HIS 101 Soundtracks
Having class in the MacMillan Theater was just too much of a temptation. I had to blast some Pirates of the Caribbean and Gettysburg themes through those speakers. Less successful were my attempts to introduce the students to 80s music. I am happy to report, however, that they know who Elvis is. There may be hope for the future.
2. My Goodbye Scarlett Class
Eleven ladies and one gentleman (dubbed the honorary woman, a title he took great pride in!) these students made up one of the best seminar classes I've ever taught. They were a surprisingly interdisciplinary group. While everyone had a deep interest in history and many were history majors, there was a good mix of gender studies, nineteenth century studies, African-American studies, psychology, economics, art and art history, and even biology. For the first time I saw the great potential in the specializations that we've created in the last five years and how they help students approach common topics from many different angles. Wednesday afternoons flew by this Spring, and on our last afternoon together we launched a pirate ship (OK, golf cart!). How many classes can say that?
3. The Kids in The Commons
I like that when I open my door, I usually find students hanging out in our chairs. Now if I could just convince some of them that they should also help load the History candy jar, we'd have it made! Our computer seems to attract students as well---I'm not sure why, I'm pretty sure it's the same as other computers---but again, open the door and there someone is, checking Facebook or e-mail. Those little interactions make the day more pleasant.
4. The Novel Writing Class
Will Fuller get the girl? Will the guerrilla fighters attack Cherub's Song? Will the truth about Violet's mother be revealed? I want to know!!!! I've spent all semester learning about these characters and situations---I have to know how the novels end. And oh how I already miss those classes and the readings and Dr. Trakas' grin and all the things that I've learned about writing fiction. I feel much more connected to young voices. Trust me, I had no idea what a 'wingman' was before this class. Now I do. I feel like it has ended all too soon. (And yes, I did get mine written and I passed the class! I even made cover art for it.)
5. The History Seniors
I really didn't realize how much I was going to miss them until we had the senior party. This bunch has so much life in them. Their good humor is infectious. They tell funny stories, do great faculty impressions, and are excellent dancers. And they're kind and have been good to do the thankless things I have to ask of them, like taking field exams and filling out surveys. I hope that my personal future will be filled with many more seniors, and that I will never forget these 'elite eight' who were the first to graduate while I was Department Chair.
***
There are other things I think about on the list as well....walking to lunch with my colleagues, calling public safety when the fence behind the science building is locked AGAIN, Ms. Rita having my favorite flavor of coffee brewing. Of course, so many of these experiences will continue; I don't plan to give up eating or drinking coffee or working at odd hours anytime soon. But I think the Spring of 2008 will stick with me for a long time. There were big changes in my life, many good things happened to me (Thank you, Campus Union, and I know I didn't deserve that recognition!) and I had good health and good friends. Not every day is perfect, not every day is happy, but most of the time I think that I'm pretty darned lucky to be here, in this place, with these people.
I need to grade papers now. Or I'm going to get weepy again and I need to save that for graduation.