Back to School

While Monday was the first official day of fall quarter at NSCC, Career Link didn't start until today, because yesterday was taken up with faculty meetings and last-minute student registrations. Thus, today was my first day back in the classroom this fall. Even given all the budget cuts and financial woes going on (thanks again President Bush), it felt really great to be back at Career Link. We have a fresh crop of around 40 kids, which is smaller than last year's bunch, and means I won't have 50 kids in each class I teach (whew). With 20 kids in each class, all of them are going to get a lot more individual attention, from which I think most of them will benefit a great deal. The new crew seems like a really bright group of young people. Both classes asked good questions, and since they all know this may be the last year of Career Link, they're all very motivated to pass their GED tests before the program shuts down. After talking to them today, I don't think we have a single student who I think won't be able to earn a GED. I'm anticipating a very pleasant school year.

Speaking of back to school, I don't think Michael has bragged about this anywhere yet, so I'll do it for him. When he registered for classes for fall, he finally checked his grades from spring quarter, and guess what? He got a perfect 4.0 and made the dean's list again! I knew that he'd thrive in college once he convinced himself that it was time to go back! My boy is awesome! He's taking another full load of classes this fall: anthropology, logic, and Spanish. I have full confidence that he'll get through this quarter with flying colors.

We're starting to get back into the school-year routine. Tonight was probably our last night for a while to have time to sit down together at the dining room table for a real dinner, as we're back on the schedule where Michael works until 10:00 most nights, and I don't get home until 7:00. I have to remind myself that this arrangement is only until Michael is through with school. Besides that, it makes me appreciate the little moments we get together all the more. (And I'm really looking forward to Thanksgiving break!) Michael is in the office now, diligently working on his homework, and I've just finished cleaning the kitchen. I'll call Michael back to the table when I finish this post, so that we can have some dessert, and then it will be about bedtime, because tomorrow is a school day.