“Midterm” Thoughts
Hello Students:
I just wanted to write a few of my thoughts as we finish up the first 1/2 of the semester.
On the whole, I’m happy with the progress we are making (in general terms) even if at times I am unhappy with the particulars of a lesson here or there. As I have mentioned in each class, however, I have decided to focus my attention on those who are contributing, striving and learning. Even when our projects don’t turn out entirely “finished.”
With that in mind, I wanted to acknowledge — in a general way — those of you who have excelled at your work. It’s gratifying to work with you. It certainly makes editing, critiquing and grading much more interesting for me. As a professional, my time is valuable. I truly enjoy spending my time, though, on those students who have attacked their assignments with such rigor.
Still, the next few weeks will be particularly difficult in all my classes as we begin to delve into the specifics of your work.
For those students who have precious little to show me, this will become a very trying as I can offer little in the way of help until you begin to apply the lessons from the first two sections of class. On top of that, projects for the New York Times and ABC will keep me off campus for the next 3 weeks when I am not teaching. Time is tight, as the song goes. I have implored you throughout the semester to keep up with the work. For those who have put things off (and there are a handful of you), please understand you will face an uphill batte.
Your grade will, by and large, be determined by how you handle this situation.
For those who have made significant headway, this will be equally trying as we dissect the work you have done. Maybe more importantly, we will work to create personalized “tool sets” for you to edit your own projects. While professionals rely upon others to help craft their work, we must always approach our own work with an exacting precision (if we expect others to do the same).
Regardless of you individual standing, I can say this about all of my classes without hyperbole: It has been a pleasure to work with you all this semester. I truly enjoy showing up to class each Tuesday and Thursday. I look forward to reading your work, watching your presentations and listening to your discussions.
You don’t yet know this about me (and possibly you never will), but that is one of the highest compliments I will give students. That your work has been exceptional enough — on the whole — to engage me both inside and outside the classroom. For that, I offer my thanks and kudos.
Now we ride into week 9 and the start of the second 1/2 of the Fall semester. Do not let up.
