Slump

            Teaching energizes me, makes me feel useful, opens my eyes…sometimes. Other days, I look with dread at the ticking clock. The slump of my students seeps contagiously into my core, or maybe it’s my slump that is infecting them. Summoning up leadership energy from my well of enthusiasm requires a drill rig and a jackhammer. I recover in the quiet after-buzz of an empty classroom before I transition back to my other self, the one who only has to perform for two black dogs and a forgiving husband.
            Probably they can tell, but you never know. One of my quietest students, whose constant, unreadable expression perfectly emulates the human face at rest, has informed me that my class is his favorite. Huh. So maybe the student slump masks unplumbed depths of stimulation. They are brilliant performers. I hope my performance for them is as convincing.
            I love what I do. I can’t wait for it to be over.
           
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 72: 158 words, TOTAL = 11,938; 48,062 remaining