Dear Miss James, {Slice of Life}

Dear Miss James,

Tonight as my college freshman was face timing me and talking about life she told me about a conversation she had with you.  I loved hearing her story with my mama heart and my heart as an educator myself.  She wants to be prepared.  She wants to do well.  She wants to add things to her lists of lists and cross things off. 

She asked you where the materials are to study for her Apparel final exam.  Your reply was, "they are in your head."  I burst out laughing because I know it's not the response she wanted or the response she expected.  She's use to review packets, pages of notes, and study guides; sadly. If our children are learning every day and a final exam is built on that day to day learning; it should be in her head.  Your reply indicates you've taught her to think.  You've taught her to use her experiences to communicate her learning.  I can't wait to hear what your final exam actually is!  

Thank you for teaching her this first semester of college and guiding her to trust her own thinking, learning, and heart.

Fondly,

Mandy Robek

Epilogue - I googled Miss James and found her picture at the Kent State University faculty page for  the Fashion Design college.  I sent the photo to my daughter and asked if this was her teacher and she replied with, "Yeah that's her.  Please don't email her."  She read my mind!  I didn't email her and instead decided to share this slice of life with my teaching friends in hopes you find a nugget for your own.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for fostering this writing community.