Dear Students,
I love many parts of my job, but I like teaching you the most. When the semester is over, I’m actually sad (not relieved as many academic types are).
Public Speaking may be my favorite course to teach for three reasons:
- I get to know you extremely well through the topics you choose.
- You show a large amount of growth in a short amount of time. Each of you improves.
- I end up learning plenty.
In fact, this semester, I learned about child labor in smartphone construction, conspiracy theories about Kurt Cobain’s death, the House of Chanel, Chris Jericho’s career, and why you should exercise 5-6 times a week for 30 minutes (as opposed to 3 times a week for an hour, which is my routine at the moment).
I’ve written about student evaluations before, but here’s a recap: It is a little scary for me. There’s always someone who hates me and/or the class. But then I get feedback like this, and it takes out the sting:
(And her heart grew three sizes that day.)
Remember that I’m here for you long after the class ends. Yes, you have to climb a few flights of stairs to see me, but I’m also just a quick email away.
Best wishes,
Dr. Beth
Observe and report 