Unretired and Happy!

Today, I entered a classroom as the instructor for the first time in three years. I was nervous, and my stomach churned and made embarrassing noises, but it was okay. It felt like coming home again. I smiled and had the students laughing. Humor is so important when you are talking about deep subjects in Sociology. They were receptive to having an exercise today. It will be the easiest points they earn this semester. I had them introduce themselves, and when you ask for three unique characteristics about them, it is always funny and informative.

I had placed a video welcoming students to the class, but there is nothing like telling them in person that I look forward to learning from them this semester. We have eight weeks to cover sixteen weeks of material. This is new, and I don’t think it is good for students, but I will find a way to ensure they receive their money’s worth.

Douglas drove me because the campus I am teaching at is a 56-minute drive one way in the mornings, and the traffic is insane! I was thoroughly tense when we arrived, and I wasn’t driving! Next semester, I will be about five to seven minutes away from home, and I will drive myself. I am so grateful for a spouse who is supportive and kind.

I didn’t think that I would return to teaching, but I missed the interactions with students. You can only binge Acorn and Britbox, along with Peacock and Paramount Pluss, for so long, and you start to wonder if the time could be used more productively. So, I am overjoyed to return to one of my loves, the love of encouraging, inspiring, and imparting knowledge.

I thank God for health that allows me to work again. I am happy, and I will have to rant about reading, but that is part of the dance between students and professors. It is a small class, so I can have great discussions; at least, that is what I hope will happen. I am nearly giddy with the opportunity. Teaching college was my dream, and I was 54 years old when I earned my doctorate and began a new career. I now have the chance to add years more, and I could not be happier. To God be the glory!