Classes ended this week at the school where I teach, which means that on Wednesday I taught my last workshop for a (long) while. Soon, I’ll share more about the fairly large upcoming life change I’ve been working towards these past two years (I’m still making some decisions, and still waiting for some news). For now, what’s most important is that as of Wednesday, I am no longer actively teaching writing to undergraduates. Professor Forman has retired.
It’s been fourteen years now that I’ve gone, week by week, semester by semester, year by year into the classroom. I’ve had some incredible students, many of whom have gone on to do great things (including one former student who is now a famous filmmaker, although I take absolutely no credit for that one). During my final workshop on Wednesday, I felt the surge of what has pulled me along, all these years, that beautiful, irresistible tide: a solid piece of writing to discuss, one we had seen earlier in the semester and that was now, with hard work and great workshop input, something both wholly different and fully realized; a group of students that had gelled around personality, ideas and the desire to provide said great workshop input; a writer who could take absolute pride in that same solid piece, made even better by the entirety of the process.
When a workshop goes well, there is nothing like it. You leave the class grateful and inspired. The air is clear, your own ideas crisp and ripe. I’ve never been one to take much credit for what happens among the group, but I always feel better about myself as a teacher if the class is energized and happy. On Wednesday, we were energized and happy.
This I will miss. The rest–the bargaining, the worries about job security, departmental morale both good and bad–those I won’t miss at all. The life change I’m heading into was always about making a better future for myself and my family. I’ve done the work of trying to make a better future for my students. Wednesday reminded me of that, full-bore.
Comments 14
How I wish I could’ve been one of your writing students! Instead, I’ve learned so much from you about other things. I have no doubt that your new path will find you continuing to touch lives, to make a better future for those you come into contact with. Can’t wait to follow your journey on this new path. xo
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 9:21 am ¶You know I am excited to hear about your next path– but I too wish I had been one of your students. Well I have been, but not with the benefit of you in a classroom week after week. Or office hours or the other students who are interested in you and your work and who have grown in your presence.
Laura
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 12:34 pm ¶Blessings on your journey, love.
xo
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 12:50 pm ¶The classroom–when it’s good–is all I really miss, but when I do miss it, I miss it quite a lot. Wishing you all the best as your path takes its next turn (which I have a glimmer of, though I’ve been curious about its genesis, etc.).
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 1:13 pm ¶Wishing you the best as you change courses
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 2:44 pm ¶All good things to you on the journey ahead!
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 3:18 pm ¶Onward — the the new and exciting and fulfilling!
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 4:55 pm ¶xo!
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 6:12 pm ¶Hey! I know this one. This, this is familiar to me. It’s bittersweet, is it not? I catch myself thinking with nostalgia about some of my classes, how I used to teach certain things, how fun some of it was. But…the doors I’ve walked through since then are bringing me new insights every day. I think I know what some of the doors ahead of you are, and…you’re going to rock this one OUT!
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 8:36 pm ¶my warmest wishes for your new path. There is a slight hope it might bring you to Europe one day. Just a slight one
xo
Posted 30 Apr 2010 at 11:10 pm ¶grateful and inspired… crisp and ripe… energized and happy…
I’m tingling! I love that feeling — better than any drug. I’m joining the chorus here, but would settle just to meet one day for coffee and a chat — with knitting.
I’m excited to hear about change!
Posted 01 May 2010 at 5:21 am ¶Ditto, Pixie. Looking forward to reading about the next chapter of your journey! The timing feels really good to me.
Posted 01 May 2010 at 7:25 am ¶Best wishes for the transition – I agree with Carrie: it’s a good time for change. xoxo
Posted 02 May 2010 at 10:48 pm ¶Congratulations on the end of long labors, and the beginning of new ones. I would have liked to have been your student.
I am angry at the commodification and devaluation of teaching at the university that factored into your seeking another path.
Posted 04 May 2010 at 9:06 am ¶Post a Comment