Ruminations from a Winding Career
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "How Can It Be?"Thoughts from almost 50 years
18 total reviews
Comment from Judy Lawless
This is another excellent chapter, Jan. At our age, more and more, it's hard to imagine that we've done anything fifty years ago. It seems like only yesterday. I'm sure your students will be happy to have you. I didn't do that well in the maths and sciences when I was in school and I dropped most of them as soon as I could. Now I wish I'd had a teacher who had shown me the benefits and convinced me that I could do it.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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This is another excellent chapter, Jan. At our age, more and more, it's hard to imagine that we've done anything fifty years ago. It seems like only yesterday. I'm sure your students will be happy to have you. I didn't do that well in the maths and sciences when I was in school and I dropped most of them as soon as I could. Now I wish I'd had a teacher who had shown me the benefits and convinced me that I could do it.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Judy, building confidence in kids and building relationship with kids are the two best things we can do to help them be successful in anything in life. I wish more teachers understood that. jan
Comment from Cogitator
A paean for the wondrous fulfillment of one's bliss. My sense of wonder occurs with each AHA! moment in the students' minds. No inventions, just discoveries of what was lurking beneath societal dystopia. Love... Just John
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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A paean for the wondrous fulfillment of one's bliss. My sense of wonder occurs with each AHA! moment in the students' minds. No inventions, just discoveries of what was lurking beneath societal dystopia. Love... Just John
Comment Written 14-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Cogitator: As you know, if one can do the work one loves, then it is never work. Thanks so much for this exceptional review. jan
Comment from Wendy G
Yes, I totally understand! Suddenly we have to confront the fact that the years have gone, fast and forever! I particularly like the very last line. I share that feeling.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Yes, I totally understand! Suddenly we have to confront the fact that the years have gone, fast and forever! I particularly like the very last line. I share that feeling.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Thanks so much, Wendy. jan
Comment from blondie560
I love any story that has to do with teachers and yours have been very inspiring and resonates with me because my daughter is a high school teacher. Teachers do not get enough credit for the lifelong sacrifices they make. Whether it's the fact that they pay for supplies out of their own money to make their classroom a comfortable learning environment, or being called late in the evening(or emailed) by a disgruntled parent that thinks their offspring does nothing wrong. Many younger teachers have to work summer jobs to make ends meet until they can move up the salary chart. All teachers are constantly learning themselves. The excuse that people say that teachers have it easy because they get three months off in the summer means they don't know anyone in the teaching profession. I'm very upset about how teachers have been treated during this pandemic. Every teacher I know wanted desperately to have in-person learning. My daughter has only been teaching 15 years to your 50, but she said this was the worst year and at one point she wanted to quit. Some teachers did. Teachers are not the boogie man like some politicians want to portray them. They blame the teacher unions for trying to keep their teachers, children, support staff, even bus drivers safe. But I know I'm preaching to the choir. I hope your 50th year is one of smooth sailing. Take care, Sally
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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I love any story that has to do with teachers and yours have been very inspiring and resonates with me because my daughter is a high school teacher. Teachers do not get enough credit for the lifelong sacrifices they make. Whether it's the fact that they pay for supplies out of their own money to make their classroom a comfortable learning environment, or being called late in the evening(or emailed) by a disgruntled parent that thinks their offspring does nothing wrong. Many younger teachers have to work summer jobs to make ends meet until they can move up the salary chart. All teachers are constantly learning themselves. The excuse that people say that teachers have it easy because they get three months off in the summer means they don't know anyone in the teaching profession. I'm very upset about how teachers have been treated during this pandemic. Every teacher I know wanted desperately to have in-person learning. My daughter has only been teaching 15 years to your 50, but she said this was the worst year and at one point she wanted to quit. Some teachers did. Teachers are not the boogie man like some politicians want to portray them. They blame the teacher unions for trying to keep their teachers, children, support staff, even bus drivers safe. But I know I'm preaching to the choir. I hope your 50th year is one of smooth sailing. Take care, Sally
Comment Written 14-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Thank you, again, Sally, for this exceptional rating. I am so excited that I get to have my summer school kids in person. jan
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Heartwarming. Your enthusiasm is made manifest. Compelling narration. Congratulations on the renewal and best of luck. Brilliant punchline play on work of [he]art!
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Heartwarming. Your enthusiasm is made manifest. Compelling narration. Congratulations on the renewal and best of luck. Brilliant punchline play on work of [he]art!
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Thanks, Elizabeth. jan
Comment from Acer Connall
Writing in the third person may help reduce the amount of repetition in your writing. While stand-alone it is good, the word "I" Can be replaced with "the boy/girl" "they" "he" "she" etc. Good work, however!
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reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Writing in the third person may help reduce the amount of repetition in your writing. While stand-alone it is good, the word "I" Can be replaced with "the boy/girl" "they" "he" "she" etc. Good work, however!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Acer: How does that work in writing one's memoirs, however? jan
Comment from equestrik
As one teacher to another, I sure understand this write as well as understanding you. Teaching had been an honor and every student was a person I could learn from. Well done.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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As one teacher to another, I sure understand this write as well as understanding you. Teaching had been an honor and every student was a person I could learn from. Well done.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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equestrik: absolutely, when a teacher fails to learn from each student, then the teacher fails. jan
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Congratulations on a job well done for 49+ years, Jan. Best wishes as you enter your 50th year. You are a dedicated teacher in more than mathematics. Did you intend to add a picture?
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
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reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Congratulations on a job well done for 49+ years, Jan. Best wishes as you enter your 50th year. You are a dedicated teacher in more than mathematics. Did you intend to add a picture?
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2021
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Yes, I did. jan
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I saw it later. 😊