It is that time again when I begin preparing for and making special notes about teaching my American Government & Politics classes.  Understandably there are many areas that are similar semester to semester… but it is a BIG priority to consider ideas that will make each class experience unique.  So, as I thought back over the last year… a few “out-of-class” experiences seemed to stand out in my mind.

First, I bumped into a past student who was working in a local hardware store.  She greeted me with a huge smile and announced: “Hey Sir I got the scholarship that you wrote me a letter of recommendation for!  Like we talked in class… I tried to be just me in my application, and it worked!”

Next I was attending a local school function and felt a tap on my shoulder from a middle-aged female student who was working to become a nurse. I could tell she was in a hurry as part of the school event… but she asked if I could stay for a minute so I could meet her son.  She said: “Every week we talk at home about some of the stuff we talked about in class… and you know… he actually talked like a real adult!”

Finally, as I was entering a local restaurant, I observed one of my former dual enrollment students working as a waitress.  She was very diligently serving customers… and yes smiling a lot… but somehow in the midst of her responsibilities she properly excused herself through a line-up of people and shook my hand. There were no words… just a solid handshake, wonderful smile and a direct look into my eyes. And I instantly remembered the moments we discussed in class how important these elements of a professional greeting are.

I believe I don’t have to say much more to emphasize how important The Little Things are when trying to offer learning moments. Hearing and realizing these BIG payback appreciation experiences are beyond priceless… and yes they have made me a little more ready for the semester!