Freshmen

I have taught freshmen for a long time. When I first started teaching, I liked working with the older kids better--I enjoyed the more mature discussions.

Later in my career, I realized that I liked working with the younger kids more. Not because they had great things to say, but because they made so much progress. This year, I have four classes that are largely freshmen--specifically, mostly freshmen boys. In August when we start, they are just bundles of energy. They make me crazy. They make me tear my hair. But I know that they need a push, they need a "poke with the sharp stick of reality" as one of my colleagues describes it.

Today we were working on income tax forms. To me a boring, boring topic. We were finishing the 1040EZ and beginning the 1040A. We reviewed yesterday's homework problem, I discussed dependants. We had some interesting questions, like, "how come Mormons can't list more than one wife as dependants?" However, in watching the formerly goofy freshmen working on their practice problems, and start their homework problem, I realized that I have done my job. I have civilized this group of young people, and am getting them ready to move on to bigger and better things.

I just feel sorry for the freshman girls who have to put up with all these boys!