Smoke out

So I don't smoke.  I have a number of reasons....  One that hits home for most people is the expense.  When I was 14 and worked at my uncle's deli, the cost was $1.50 a pack.

So I guessed that a student I have smokes.  I asked, he said yes.  I didn't go into the health issues, the stuff about Big Tobacco, the effects on the leaf pickers.  I asked how many packs a week.  He said one.  I asked how much a pack costs, multiply that by 52, and think about how much that costs per year.  I said I use that amount to buy my plane ticket to Europe.  Smoking cigarettes vs. traveling in Europe?  Easy choice for me....

So two days later, the students comes to my desk after I take attendance.  He said the he is going to try to quit smoking because of what I said.  Whoa!!!!!  Made me want to grin form ear to ear.  I hope he is successful.  I can pass along helpful hints from my friend.  Her sister quit cold turkey this summer....

The next day, in a Photo II class, a few of us were in the darkroom.  One of the kids said I am the best teacher he's had.  I told him he can kiss up all year but it will have no effect on his grade.  He said, will all sincerity, the same thing.  I felt so happy and went into typical Melanie mode and shied away from a compliment.  I did say thank you.  I tell the kids all the time how much I love teaching them.

Then, on my way to the car after work, a GSA member passed some information on to me.  A teacher had said something negative about me and the other advisor.  A teacher I thought we had a good relationship with.  It felt like a kick to the stomach.  I played it off with the student and told her not to worry about it.  And proceeded to drive home sad and in shock.  The words from that student in PII were the only things that got me through the night....

So to keep from letting the negatives of the job get to me, I am making a concerted effort to not let my personal happy things get pushed to the side.  My friend and I regularly go out, socialize and make art together.  I am making sure I get through the non-education related reading that piles up from September to June.  I am also trying to find other outlets that relate to me as a person, not me as Mrs. Vasa.  Luckily, my friend is there to help motivate me...