Summer Breaks

I’ve been camped out on my living room couch for most of the summer, writing, reading, and sleeping longer hours than normal.

A needed respite, and a much-appreciated perk of having summers off.

Yesterday, however, marked a return to campus to teach a 6-week-long Summer class at my usual 8 am time. Despite having to adjust the lazy morning routine I’d become accustomed to, returning to the classroom was a different kind of break.

The opportunity to share ideas, meet new students from various backgrounds (a bonus that comes from teaching my international students), laugh, and share in that unique energy that one can only find in the classroom- that can only be truly appreciated when you’ve been gone for some time- was a relief of sorts.

It was the opportunity to connect with new college students, full of ambition, the desire to travel, and nothing to stand in their way. There’s a motivation and a welcomed naivete that’s characteristic of 18-year-olds college students.

I learn from these people and, hopefully, they also learn a little something from me.

They see their dreams as their future, they’ve already decided to change their major, and they’re ready to be responsible- but with the lingering immaturity of youth that adds a refreshing balance and perspective.

Not everyone gets to be inspired by the people they work with on a daily basis, so I acknowledge my good fortune when I can.

So there you have it. I’ve got an escape from my natural introverted tendencies, and an escape from the outgoing part of myself that loves to stand at the front of a classroom and discuss ideas.

Take a moment to reflect. What’s your respite?