The Beginning of Another Semester

It seems that I am usually dreading this time of year--mostly because it means the end of summer and a small amount of free time, but mostly because I am never mentally or physically prepared for the beginning of the fall semester.

This year it is very different--I am not only ready, but I am actually super excited about this semester.  Here are some possible reasons:

• We are in a new building, the best one on the #SDState campus.  
• My new office is clean and organized--it won't last long. 
• I get to teach freshmen in Calc I Lab.
• I get to use my new online book in Calc I Lab.  

Certainly those are great reasons, but I think it comes down to the fact that I love my job because I get to work with awesome students!

Last night Dr. Christine Larson and I received the nicest email from one of our alumni who is supervising one of our student teachers. He wrote: 
"I know how much I appreciated all of the amazing hard work you did for me, and I'm glad to see the same dividends with other graduates (and soon to be graduates)."

Chris and I have had the great opportunity to work with very talented students who then become talented teachers. Talk about job satisfaction!  There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you are helping make an impact on countless children learning mathematics.

I hope that my semester continues to be as great as the first couple days. I wish all of you a wonderful and productive semester!

Our awesome new building

Evidence that my office was clean on the first day of classes