Messages like this make it all worthwhile

[ashling]

I am in the middle of the final rush to get all the grades in and do all the other last minute stuff the college "requests." Its community college, and is in some ways not much different from high school (except I get paid less). A lot of frustrations . . . then I get this:

I want you to know that I’ve enjoyed this class so much. I’ve learned so much from the reading assignments and having to study for the tests. I can’t even put into words how much more I know about our government. Before this class, when news about politics was on TV I would change channels because I didn’t understand enough about our government and how it worked, but now I stop and listen. I still don’t know enough but it’s interesting to listen about history or what congress is talking about now. Also, what our Texas congress is voting on and what is in front of them now. In our paper today I read an article on the Texas House giving final approval to several gun laws designed to protect our second amendment rights. Before, I would’ve never taken the time to read that. Thank you for this class and the way you designed it for people like me that don’t have time to go to a conventional classroom.

[elleng]

1. Wonderful.

Congrats!

[alsame]

2. You did good :) nt

[TxDemChem]

3. Nice work

We need more like you

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. +1. Another plus is that good teaching has ripple effects in

Another plus is that good teaching has ripple effects in awakening other areas in the students' minds, and also an educated student becomes a more positive force in the community and the world.

[mountain grammy]

5. At 65, I still remember the teachers who taught me to think. You sound like one of them.

You're making a difference in people's lives. This one will remember you forever.

[SwissTony]

9. I'm a sprightly 62. I still thank 4 or 5 teachers gratefully.

One maths teacher ("maths" has an "s" where I come from). He determined my career direction. He didn't know it, of course, but he did.

Two English teachers in my last two years at high school. They gave me my love of the English language. One of them also increased my love of Scottish. He found out I had a Scottish accent (as well as my Australian accent) and got me out in front of the class to read Rabbie Burns.

Two Latin teachers. I didn't love Latin, but I learned much about how languages evolve.

[peace13]

6. Fantastic!

Gold star for you!!!

[rurallib]

7. Good going - it does feel good, don't it

Mrs. Lib and I volunteer doing tutoring for disadvantaged kids in our small community.
We work with them from 3rd to 8th grade (& beyond if they want). We have had many huge turnarounds.

Just the other night I was working with a kid who a year ago seemed doomed to Ds and all that go with it.
We worked with him last summer intensely. Seemed to help, but couldn't tell if it "took." For the school year he was back with his regular mentor and we kind of 'supervised' them per the mentor's request.

So Monday I took the boy 1 on 1 since his mentor was ill. Knocked my socks off. He was reading above grade level and comprehending AND his math was ALMOST there. what a feeling.

Our first young man who I thought would never get above Cs all of a sudden caught fire in 7th grade and has pulled pretty much straight As since taking college prep courses. He also has become quite outgoing and has just turned into a great kid. He'll be junior next year.

didn't mean to steal your thunder, but it does feel good to see eyes open.

[SunSeeker]

8. Texas sure can use more thinkers, particularly those that know a lie when they hear it.

I am struck by the example your student cites: "In our paper today I read an article on the Texas House giving final approval to several gun laws . Before, I would’ve never taken the time to read that."

I hope your student realizes that part about the laws being "designed to protect our second amendment rights" is a lie. One of the things these ridiculous laws will do is allow college students to carry guns to class. This does not bode well for the safety of your student nor you. And it sure as hell has nothing to do with "protecting second amendment rights."

[ashling]

11. I started to edit that portion because I knew someone was gonna go after that

but then I thought, no, that is part of what I am proud of. A lot of my students are coming back to school - many after the military - and going into other professions. They were on a path to go through life griping as low information voters - low information people - never giving government or politics a second thought (except to gripe), I have had students who think the constitution was divinely inspired to students who that "government" = "socialism".

I am concerned by the second amendment thing too, but at least he is thinking instead of just responding. I'll settle for that for now.

[SunSeeker]

12. I get you. And ya done good to at least him call it "our government" instead of "the government."

Keep up the great work!

[toby jo]

10. Way to go.

[Gothmog]

13. You made a difference

Good job.

[white cloud]

14. Great job

Thanks for being there for them

[LeftInTX]

15. Way to go!!!

My son had an great prof, when he took Texas politics last year. He would come home and we would have a good time bashing Bush, Perry, and little knowns such as Ma and Pa Ferguson.

[ashling]

17. My great grandfather was a member of the Texas Farmers Alliance

I never miss a chance to teach about the contribution of the populists and the rebellious left in Texas history/politics.

[Skittles]

16. well done, ashling

and it's also a lesson to all of us about how important it is to let people know the impact they have on us