What a beautiful comment from your student! There’s so many great nuggets here. I agree completely with “you’ve got to care about what you write.” That has made the long projects of my life the most bearable.
It’s not about getting everything right, it’s improving and maintaining.
One of my favorite professors in grad school told us that he didn’t expect for us to be able to address all of his comments and concerns from paper to paper. But he was looking to see that we had worked to address one of them. And if we did, that’s the only part he graded on...he didn’t want perfect, he wanted improvement.
Saving this. There’s too much gold to mine in one visit. Applying your thinking and learning to our Encouragement Sessions feels like a wise thing to do. Thank you.
I love this piece. I had to set aside some quiet time for it, and I'm so glad I did. It's thoughtful (I just learned how to critique folks in my writer's group!) and funny and makes me so glad you're in the world. I imagine most students don't thoroughly read your considered responses, and that must be deeply frustrating. The apple isn't ripe with most people. Some may never understand that writing is the MOST VALIANT WORK. (Well, second, perhaps to teaching writing.) But for that student who IS ripe--and I bet there are more than you know--your care and gentleness and thoughtfulness are enough to draw out the essence of a person. I suppose you realize, too, that their ripening may never even be known to you. My favorite English teacher was in high school. I expressed no desire to be a writer then. I just got through the class. Now, I think of her every day.
Thank you again!! I totally agree. Someone told me once that “teaching is a time bomb” and that tracks with my own experience (and yours, it sounds like). Seeds can germinate long after they’re planted (at least I hope so). 🍎
-- “Sometimes, that belief results in beautiful reciprocity, as in this comment from a student about my feedback”. This one touched me, Alexandra. Embodying a commitment to mutual benefit, creating a harmonious interdependence that contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities alike—it matters, immensely. Xo.
-- Reciprocity, when embraced wholeheartedly, has the transformative power to reshape dynamics. This exchange, rich with understanding and shared benefit, can indeed be a catalyst for profound change—the potential to foster vulnerability, build trust, and ultimately, change the very fabric of how we relate to one another and to the world. Xo.
I wish I had you as a teacher. And while I’m dreaming, I wish Abby had you too.
Your students are so fortunate to have you, Alexandra.
Ps. Feels like there is a book in this topic.
🥰
What a beautiful comment from your student! There’s so many great nuggets here. I agree completely with “you’ve got to care about what you write.” That has made the long projects of my life the most bearable.
It’s not about getting everything right, it’s improving and maintaining.
One of my favorite professors in grad school told us that he didn’t expect for us to be able to address all of his comments and concerns from paper to paper. But he was looking to see that we had worked to address one of them. And if we did, that’s the only part he graded on...he didn’t want perfect, he wanted improvement.
I like the law of 1%. Just try to be 1% better every time. Eventually you'll get there. :)
Thank you for so faithfully reading my writing. <3
And thanks to you 😊
Saving this. There’s too much gold to mine in one visit. Applying your thinking and learning to our Encouragement Sessions feels like a wise thing to do. Thank you.
You’re very kind, thank you!!
I love this piece. I had to set aside some quiet time for it, and I'm so glad I did. It's thoughtful (I just learned how to critique folks in my writer's group!) and funny and makes me so glad you're in the world. I imagine most students don't thoroughly read your considered responses, and that must be deeply frustrating. The apple isn't ripe with most people. Some may never understand that writing is the MOST VALIANT WORK. (Well, second, perhaps to teaching writing.) But for that student who IS ripe--and I bet there are more than you know--your care and gentleness and thoughtfulness are enough to draw out the essence of a person. I suppose you realize, too, that their ripening may never even be known to you. My favorite English teacher was in high school. I expressed no desire to be a writer then. I just got through the class. Now, I think of her every day.
Thank you again!! I totally agree. Someone told me once that “teaching is a time bomb” and that tracks with my own experience (and yours, it sounds like). Seeds can germinate long after they’re planted (at least I hope so). 🍎
-- “Sometimes, that belief results in beautiful reciprocity, as in this comment from a student about my feedback”. This one touched me, Alexandra. Embodying a commitment to mutual benefit, creating a harmonious interdependence that contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities alike—it matters, immensely. Xo.
Wow, what a deep and kind thing to say. Thank you!
-- Reciprocity, when embraced wholeheartedly, has the transformative power to reshape dynamics. This exchange, rich with understanding and shared benefit, can indeed be a catalyst for profound change—the potential to foster vulnerability, build trust, and ultimately, change the very fabric of how we relate to one another and to the world. Xo.
Gosh, I wish I had said that. :)
-- Feel free to borrow it anytime! :) Xo.