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End of Classes

We disengage gradually from our students. Eventually the last meeting of the class comes and goes. Some come to my office for help, then there is the final exam. Occasionally students come back to challenge their grade but fortunately that is rare.

Break occurs. The next semester begins. Some students take me for more classes and we have a comfort level in the teacher/student relationship. Many others pass me in the hall, out walking on campus, etc. By and large the ones who really were students are friendly, say hi, smile. A few who were trying to calibrate how little effort to put into the course to get the minimal grade that they needed avert their eyes. There is a swath in between.

Colleagues come and go, but that is a much slower process. Some move to other jobs; others retire. Sadly a few pass a way, a sudden shock to the entire community.

In a decade or so I'll be the one fading away, retiring. I'll probably not get to campus much, just for opportunities to honor and respect others. I've got an hour commute each way; it's not a casual thing to stop by.

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