I hopped on my bike this evening and headed to campus for tonight’s Oak Wreath dinner, thrown by the Newcomb College Institute in honor of outstanding graduating female students. My dear student M. invited me as her guest, and I was more than happy to attend. Each of the 20 or so students took turns talking about their professor-date, and then each professor talked about the brilliant and sassy student who invited them. I talked about reading M.’s final paper from our class on feminist activism–it was so smart, creative, and brave, it made me cry, and talking about it got me all choked up. (I appear to be a crybaby, at least lately.) And the same thing happened over and over again, and there are so many more stories of teachers and students at all levels all over this place…love, love, love it. And then I got back on my bike and did a loop around the park before heading home. Bittersweet.
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 
Tomight I was talking to a friend about a student and her struggles and how we organized to conquer them, and I cried. Teaching is sublime… even when it seems to be the most difficult struggle. Perhaps then it is the most sublime.
Lovely post Kate. It is so easy to see how much you really care. No surprise your students think so highly of you. judy
Thanks, Judy. And Nancy–best job ever, this teaching thing!
I’m closing out my 23rd year of it and totally agree-best job ever.