The first assignment for my Business Communications students is to send me a persuasive e-mail. They have to assume that the class is full, and they have to convince me to add them to the class.
The reasons are usually pretty standard…need the class to graduate, want to be a better communicator, nothing earth shattering. Some are well written and others could (ahem) use some work.
I was clicking through this semester’s batch of e-mail, jotting down some feedback, when I came across an e-mail I won’t soon forget.
It was from a student that I had for Intro. to Speech two years ago. He…well, this is part of what he said:
“In Speech, I learned many things, but I also learned about loss. The death of Kendra Ross helped me learn to trust you as a teacher and friend. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you, and this helps me stay focused during the class. I feel that taking Business communication with a Professor that I trust and respect is the best environment for myself as a student.”
Wow.
Two years ago, one of my Speech students was killed in a car accident. I attended the funeral, and took a few students that had become friends with her during Speech. I guess I figured there was strength in numbers, and I wasn’t feeling so strong. It was a beautiful service, and we spent the ride talking, remembering, even joking around a little bit…reaffirming life even in the face of a terrible loss.
I didn’t think much about it at the time, especially because I appreciated the company, but I guess it made an impression. It’s humbling, and a little bit terrifying. If I spent as much time thinking about casual student interaction as I do preparing my lectures and class discussions…makes me think.
I can carry this through to other parts of my life too. I barrel along, multi-tasking my way through my to-do list, forgetting that what the kids remember isn’t my efficiency (or lack thereof), but the time we spent having picnics in the living room and giggling our way through a game of Jelly Bean Jumble.
Don’t worry, I’m not tearing up my “to-do” list or implementing “Wing-it Wednesdays” at school, but it did remind me to stop and talk to my students, and to make focused play time a priority…life is too short.
Way too short.
— Rachel
