This week's Student of the Week is Natalie E. (great photo Natalie!)
I have taught Natalie twice: once in Workplace 11 (when she was in grade 10), and now (two years later) in Foundations 11. That's a pretty rare sequence!
I hope Natalie forgives me for saying that she has changed a lot (as a student) since I taught her two years ago. In Workplace 11, Natalie sat with the wonderful Mikayla P and these two were very...uh...social. I don't know how many times I asked / told / begged / threatened these two ladies to "put those phone away!!!". A few minutes later: out would come the phones again!! Grrrr!! Plus there were the daily visits (or, at least, requests) to the washroom. EVERY. SINGLE. CLASS.
I remember one day they showed up rather late (again). I told them I was not letting them into class. "You've come late once too often. You don't get to attend today. Try again next class". They looked pretty shocked but wandered off without making a fuss (thanks girls). About 45 minutes later they are knocking on my door, big smiles on their faces. I go to the door ("yes? what do you want?") and they excitedly thrust some papers at me. "We are done today's assignment. Just wanted to hand it in, Wadge".
Me: What? How could you even know what the assignment IS? You weren't here all class.
Natalie: Oh, someone texted us the assignment (well of course) and we did it in the cafeteria.
So I couldn't get them to do much of any work IN class but kick them out and they complete the whole assignment in record time. Aaaaargh!
But now it is Foundations 11 and boy have things changed. Natalie is a committed student! She is working hard! She is asking great questions! She is focused on her assignments! So great!
Now, having said all this, one thing that has remained constant from Workplace 11 to Foundations 11 (two years later) is what a great person Natalie is. She has always greeted me with that big, beautiful smile of her. She always says "thanks" when I provide help and says "goodbye" at the end of class. She is thoughtful and honest and fair. One of Natalie's best attributes is her poise. She carries herself with great grace. She has a calmness and an assuredness to her.
I'm really glad I got to teach you again this year Natalie. And not because you are a more dedicated student now but because you are someone who always brings a smile to my face. Thanks for your kindness and your jovial nature. You are a special person and I know that you "have what it takes" to reach all your goals in the future. All the best to you N.E.!!
I have taught Natalie twice: once in Workplace 11 (when she was in grade 10), and now (two years later) in Foundations 11. That's a pretty rare sequence!
I hope Natalie forgives me for saying that she has changed a lot (as a student) since I taught her two years ago. In Workplace 11, Natalie sat with the wonderful Mikayla P and these two were very...uh...social. I don't know how many times I asked / told / begged / threatened these two ladies to "put those phone away!!!". A few minutes later: out would come the phones again!! Grrrr!! Plus there were the daily visits (or, at least, requests) to the washroom. EVERY. SINGLE. CLASS.
I remember one day they showed up rather late (again). I told them I was not letting them into class. "You've come late once too often. You don't get to attend today. Try again next class". They looked pretty shocked but wandered off without making a fuss (thanks girls). About 45 minutes later they are knocking on my door, big smiles on their faces. I go to the door ("yes? what do you want?") and they excitedly thrust some papers at me. "We are done today's assignment. Just wanted to hand it in, Wadge".
Me: What? How could you even know what the assignment IS? You weren't here all class.
Natalie: Oh, someone texted us the assignment (well of course) and we did it in the cafeteria.
So I couldn't get them to do much of any work IN class but kick them out and they complete the whole assignment in record time. Aaaaargh!
But now it is Foundations 11 and boy have things changed. Natalie is a committed student! She is working hard! She is asking great questions! She is focused on her assignments! So great!
Now, having said all this, one thing that has remained constant from Workplace 11 to Foundations 11 (two years later) is what a great person Natalie is. She has always greeted me with that big, beautiful smile of her. She always says "thanks" when I provide help and says "goodbye" at the end of class. She is thoughtful and honest and fair. One of Natalie's best attributes is her poise. She carries herself with great grace. She has a calmness and an assuredness to her.
I'm really glad I got to teach you again this year Natalie. And not because you are a more dedicated student now but because you are someone who always brings a smile to my face. Thanks for your kindness and your jovial nature. You are a special person and I know that you "have what it takes" to reach all your goals in the future. All the best to you N.E.!!
RSS Feed