It's All Worthwhile

As the end of the semester approaches, we are often inundated with students asking for extra credit or the chance to make up a missed assignment.  Some students want "A's" when their work is not deserving of that grade.  At times, the end of the semester is like the end of a plane ride.  You know you're going to land, but it's not always a smooth finish.

But then, it happens.  A student from the past comes back, either by letter or in person, to thank you.  This is exactly what happened to Professor Thomas Enriquez this week.  One of his former students sent him an invitation to her graduation from the University of Texas at Dallas.  She attached a note thanking him for inspiring her to continue her education and preparing her for her major.  He said, "It makes it all worthwhile."

And so, as the semester winds down, let's try to keep our eyes on the prize.  Those students who come by tomorrow checking their grades may be the same students who come by to say "Thanks" in the future. Teaching touches lives, and we're lucky to be in the position of shaping those lives for years to come. 

Happy Finals Week.