I have just finished teaching my first semester at Salem State University.  On Wednesday after my last lecture I really did have a sense of excitement and I dare say felt pretty darn proud that I made it through the semester. I just hit print on the final exam so all that is left now is to give out the test tomorrow afternoon and then to grade- grade the final and the last paper. 

I honestly did not realize how much work teaching was going to be- the prep, the grading, the student issues that came up (a lot).  So many bedridden students, sick grandmas, and crazy situations that I don’t think were all made up? who knows? 

The last two classes I spent reviewing and wrapping up all that we learned.  During the last class I had a student ask, “can’t you just tell us what the short essays will be?”. I just looked at her and thought to myself- if you had been listening and taking notes I just did. 

So good luck to all of my students on your final exam tomorrow.  I really have enjoyed the semester and getting to know all of you.

As for me I am done with teaching until the Fall, yippee!