A Sob-Story

A month ago I posted my grievance over students breaking down in tears in my office in A Festival of Tears. Today one of my female senior students came into my office with tears all over her face and her eyes swollen. I was certain that the class that she is taking with me was not the cause for this emotional outbreak. I made the usual offering of the box of Kleenex. After she sobbed for a little while I tried to raise her spirits: "Now, now, grades aren't everything in life." "Oh no", she replied, "I am just so sad that you are leaving!" Then there were two of us in tears.

A last chance

Last day of classes tomorrow. This is always the time when faculty should find words of wisdom that send the students on their merry ways. One last chance to make an impact on a young person’s mind. I am not very skilled at these inspirational speeches. I have tried the “Non scholae, sed vitae discimus” motto, but that does not seem to be a favorite among the students. Does anyone have any ideas?