Dear class,
It's finally over! The semester that is, because I'm sure that none of you are glad that we will not be spending any more class days together, right? :)
I have to admit, this has been a rough semester. Not just for me but for many of you who have had to overcome some hurdles and obstacles this semester and struggle to keep getting through. I want to first thank all of you for being understanding of my own personal loss this semester and for all of the sincere condolences; it meant a lot to me.
Teaching is a passion for me. I love to do it, and, as I told one of you (Alexi), I feel teaching chose me, and not that I chose teaching as a profession. It doesn't come with much monetary gains, but it comes with huge personal fulfillment. Having the opportunity to teach, inform, mentor and get to know anywhere from 60-120 students a semester, from all walks of life, is a humbling and rewarding opportunity. At times I wish there were more time to get to know each of you better, but unfortunately those are the dynamics of college classes. I do however, pride myself in the fact that as a college instructor I try to get to know each of you as well as possible. I am a strong believer that a teachers job does not consist of simply teaching in a classroom and it's crucial for teachers to treat their students as individuals and not blank faces or numbers.
Over the course of the semester we have had great conversations and arguments (sometimes distractions), listened to each others' perspectives and learned from one another. My hope is that through those conversations, blogs, powerpoints, group activities and presentations that I have equipped you with the tools necessary to continue through your undergraduate studies as strong critical thinkers who are intrigued and enticed to ask question after question after question; because it is the questions that lead to research and research leads to solutions and new ideas.
As you have become critical thinkers, you have in turn become stronger writers, and we all know that you did a lot of writing , granted some more than others, (a lot that you may have felt was "pointless" or "busy work") but I have seen the growth and the development in all of you. Some of you simply becoming more refined, while others have made huge growth. I would like to think that most of you have walked away with a better appreciation for the art of writing and the art of rhetoric and the ability to persuade. Additionally, now that you know the techniques involved in argument, whether it be to persuade, inform or entertain, you can appreciate the importance of knowing who your audience is, what your purpose is, how to appeal to your audience through the use of logos, ethos and pathos, what kinds of claims can be used, and how not to commit a fallacy.
For this final blog I would like for you to write an entry describing your experience during this semester in class. Tell me what you learned, how you feel as a writer after taking this course, and what you would recommend that I do differently or better. Touch upon whether or not the expectations you had of yourself and myself at the beginning of the semester were met or not.
My final thoughts...if you see me around campus don't be afraid to say hello or think that I would have forgotten you. One of the greatest aspects of teaching college is bumping into a student over the years and witnessing their growth and change (this year the first classes I taught are graduating and I'm still in touch with many of them). If you ever need to get in touch with me for help or advice or a letter of recommendation, please feel free to ask (but remember that I won't lie, so make sure I'm the right person you want to ask!). Feel free to keep in touch via twitter or Facebook (look up Natasha Olivera, I have an account just for my students) and you can always follow my crazy mom stories on my blog stumblesthroughparenthood.com :)
In one way or another you have all touched my life and you will not be forgotten. I wish you all luck with your future endeavors and college experience and that you make the most of it and your potential. (can you tell I'm a mom!? :) )
With love,
Natasha
