My apologies for no blog post on Wednesday…I was under the weather. I had a post all ready to go, but no energy to get it out…so…today I’ll share with you a little bit about a small gesture that meant so much to me.
I teach at our local community college. Composition, or first-year-composition…writing. Not your cup of tea? Don’t feel bad—I think some of my students are in the same boat.
I have been battling a cold since Tuesday night. Being stubborn and not wanting to give in, I kept plugging along…how many of you do that? You have so much to do that you don’t have time to be sick…*raising hand* that’s me!
I teach a night class, which is something new for me this semester. I have been a student in many night classes, but to be on the other side as the instructor is a little bit different. Our campus is quiet, you may catch a glimpse of campus security on the segway, you may see the custodian peek in to see what we are doing, but you also see students who are dedicated to their education. Students who may have come to class after a full day of work. Students who balance parenting, full-time jobs, and school…students who have special places in my heart because I have been in their shoes.
I brought in some snacks (post-birthday), and we had a regular class…until my cold started getting the best of me. My voice was going rather quickly, and I was struggling because I kept clearing my throat, pausing to take a drink, and breathe (working with a cold is not fun).
I decided to let them out a little early (oops—and, for the record, they were not bummed one bit)…all I could think of was my jammies, couch, and sleep.
Before we left for the night, I was given a gift for my belated birthday…a book of writing prompts (boy, will they be sorry about that–ha!).
I was almost speechless.
A small gesture…that means so much.
Can you take time out of your busy day, despite having a cold, or just not having enough time, and do something so kind—offer a small gesture of hope, love, and generosity to someone?
It is so hard…given our lives, our time commitments, our busy schedules…our financial situations…you don’t have to do something magnificent or over the top, but maybe a listening ear, a cup of coffee, hug…small gestures mean so much.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to browse for a writing prompt for today’s class…
This guy is a sweet, sweet little helper…haha. I bet he can come up with some writing prompts for students!