This is why I teach II

You may remember this post on why I teach. Well, I got another message like that today.

It's so funny -- I sit here in Switzerland so discontented with my working environment, feeling demeaned and undermined, and then I get a letter like this. It's from a former student who's applying to graduate school in public policy and adminstration. She wrote:

First of all, I thought I should tell you why I want to go into this program. In part, it is because of you and all that you taught me during your brief time at U of I. You really opened my eyes to what is going on in the world. I started to think how I could become more involved in the democratic process. I want to be able to feel that I have done something to make the world a little better. With this new educational experience, I hope I will be able to work in government or for a nonprofit organization. I would also like to be involved in politics. I would like to work for a politician or perhaps be one myself someday. I am volunteering on the Jerry Brady campaign for governor right now. He is the democratic canidate so it will be a real victory if he wins in Idaho.

I am just beginning to understand how very little I know about anything. Because I am able to recongnize my ignorance on certain subjects, I am very open to others' opinions. I think this is very important in this professional field.

I am excited about the opportunities a master's in Public Administration may present. I am taking Intergovernmental Relations right now and I really like it. I am learning a lot. I do not have nearly as much experience as the other people in my class, but I am trying to keep up. I am one of two women out of 15. That in itself is interesting.

The best part about the letter is that this student rarely spoke in class; I'd never have even known she was so impacted or interested if she hadn't invited me to her soroity's Faculty Appreciation Dinner! I think she found her calling in that little room at the U of I in the Fall 2004 semester. That class changed my life, too.

God, this makes me miss Idaho and my boss and the students there. How funny is that?! The working environment was wonderful.

And I am sad. Things seem not to be working out that way here right now. These students make the phrase "a tough crowd" seem like an understatement beyond measure.

I'm still planning the conference on Women, Freedom of Expression and the Middle East, though. This is an opportunity for growth beyond measure.

And I have to keep reminding myself of the line from the last post's quote: "This could be a good time!"

And you know how I like a good time... HA!