gotta love that karma

How did my teaching begin tonight? First, before classes started, my supervisor said that one of the students who is repeating the course and was sitting in with me last time was raving about how wonderful I am. I could tell we'd hit it off and I liked him and he was really enthusiastic. I thought that was sweet of him to do that (and maybe I'll get a raise!).

Then I went early into the classroom and we shot the breeze and I talked about wanting to buy a house, and they got all protective. "Well, you have to tell us what neighborhood and we'll tell you if it's ok." I said yeah but I can't do it now because I can't sheetrock myself and Bearded Boy said, "Just call me and I'll come do it." Then Chalmette Girl said, "I live in a really good neighborhood - do you want me to get the numbers for you from all my neighbors who are selling?" I LOVE MY CLASS! They are SUCH sweet people. We talked about New Orleans, and they're all from this general area (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi), and they had some interesting things to say. I told 'em about Jenny and no game face in New Orleans and they totally agreed - they hate bigger cities because people don't look at you, don't talk to you. Here, it's different. And despite guys who cut up and cook their girlfriends and all the young males killed in drug deals, the people are the best part of New Orleans.

How did my teaching end? With Happy Dance Girl asking, "Have you thought of being a teacher, like for real?" "I have been a teacher - since like 12 years ago." "I know but like, college?" "I did teach college for awhile." "Oh, well you should keep doing it. I mean, I know that you want to be a lawyer and all, but you are SUCH a good teacher." There was solid agreement around the room and Chalmette Girl added, "I'm so happy I have you as my teacher!" A woman who was making up a class from another section came up and said, "At break I left a note at the desk for the manager to call me tomorrow. I started a couple weeks ago with another guy but it's like they all say - you're such a great teacher - so I want to switch into your class." And I actually worked her - she came in with the game face and I slowly incorporated her into the class, taking it a little easy on her; in the beginning she silently sat back there, but then she started volunteering and explaining and all that. I did learn some really valuable skills in all my years in the teaching trenches - it's not just about manipulation, but about a sense of belonging.

OK, so I'll not neglect to mention that in the middle there I totally bombed out on this logic game and told them something really wrong and was caught and couldn't get my sea legs back for the rest of that section. LOGIC GAMES ARE THE EASIEST FOR ME. But standing up there explaining, it's totally different. Chalmette Girl said, "But it's good because it shows us that you're like a real person, not just some mathematical genius up there." Um, thanks, I think?

I know I'm totally stressed and don't have enough time for anything, but the class is giving me even more than I'd hoped for - I'm meeting more actual New Orleanians and learning more about the area, and when I'm not tripping over my tongue to draw grids wrong, I'm enjoying what I'm doing because they're mostly getting it. Bearded Boy was totally NOT getting it but we had a really good chat after class and I got him back on track.

Now, if they put their love behind some house renovations, then I'm interested in hearing their appreciation for me.

But how funny is this timing - I just made a point yesterday to make my professor feel appreciated for his hard work - and then they did the same for me today. Gotta love that karma.

Speaking of that professor, we had a 75-minute practice exam in there. I looked at it, it took maybe 5 minutes to read thoroughly (it was long) ... and I couldn't think of more than 10 minutes worth of writing to say. I looked around and thought, "What on earth am I missing?" I wrote for about 15 minutes and a few people started turning in their tests so I finished up and turned in mine. Walked out with a woman who turned to me on the way out and said, "OK, that was all about subject matter, right?" "Yeah, there was no real diversity, so they couldn't be in a federal court. What else was there?"

I am SO GLAD it's a practice exam because I know I missed something major. Maybe I just don't write out enough. Dang. I need lots more practice. Thank goodness I have like 7 more weeks. Time to study even harder! Two more practice exams to go and hopefully no more training after this weekend, and then I'll have more time again to breathe.

Or, I'll lose the adrenaline that's been fueling me of late. Hope not!