Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Underappreciated

Last week Andrew text messaged me and asked me to pick up his contacts and mail them to him. I did (paying for them, of course). I put them in a box with some other things I thought he would like, like the University Tshirt and clamp light he left behind. At the last minute I asked Roland if he wanted to put anything in. He said yes, took this little metal doodad off the back of a tv and tossed it in.

Yesterday I sent him a text message to ask if he got it. He replied, "Yes. Thanks. My TV works now!"

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I just went to my course software and checked reports. (Bad idea. Very bad idea.) The reading questions the students said they wanted so bad? Not one single student has LOOKED at the ones for this week. Not. one. Only three students have downloaded the reading for TODAY.

I hate them. I hate them all.

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If someone doesn't leave me comments telling me how much they appreciate this blog I may do something drastic.

AAAARRGGG!!!!!

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When I was in college I once had a professor throw out 2/3 of the class for not doing the work. It's a story. I so understand him today.

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:26 AM

    Well, since you asked...I enjoy your blog. My sister is a foster parent and I appreciate your perspective on the process. It's hard work that's not respected enough by those not involved in the system.

    And since I work at a University (support staff, however, not faculty), I completely understand the perpetual helplessness from the students.

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  2. We appreciate you. I appreciate you.

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  3. Oh geez! You would have loved having me as a student. I was the geeky over prepaared one! Sounds like it is time for a pop quiz in class.

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  4. Anonymous9:59 AM

    Not only do I appreciate your blog, I appreciate YOU. And I would like to download the readings for class. Unless you teach statistics or math related.

    Corey

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  5. Anonymous10:00 AM

    I appreciate your blog! I really do. I learn so much every day. I am an adult adoptee/potential foster parent and I really value your blog. And I can TOTALLY relate to that underappreciated feeling....

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  6. I read every.single.post. And though I don't teach, I work with faculty and students at a University so I can totally relate...such as getting the call from the student who finds out he has an F on his transcript from a course he took a few years ago that he "forgot about" and how does he finish the work. Um. Sorry. Can't help you dude.

    I just don't always comment cause my computer is virus-laden and SLOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW as sludge these days :)

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  7. You are much appreciated!!!

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  8. I read your blog all the time.

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  9. Anonymous11:49 AM

    I appreciate you!!!!!

    Holly

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  10. Hey, did not I JUST email you telling you as much?

    You are invaluable!

    Kerry

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  11. Anonymous12:26 PM

    I love your blog, have loved reading it for a long time now. Wish you would come sit in my living room so you could impart your wisdom on me. Does that sound stalkerish? Well, I dont' care. That is how much I appreciate you..I'm willing to sound stalkerish.

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  12. Anonymous12:55 PM

    I don't know if I've ever commented, but I've been checking in every day for many months! I certainly appreciate you and the stories you share here. :-)

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  13. Thank you everyone! It feels good.

    I also just had lunch with Evan, about which I will write a post later, of course. He, in case you are wondering, does think that guardianship is a good idea. I have theories about the degree to which he experienced feelings of jealousy...but he does think that it would be good for Gary (if Gary wants it), and that it wouldn't have been appropriate for him. More later.

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  14. Anonymous2:31 PM

    I started reading your blog when it came up as google hit for an article I was writing about issues surrounding adoption for older children from foster care. Now I check it every day and I'm disappointed when you haven't written.
    Your insights and candor are very, very appreciated.

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  15. I really love your blog. I am really an outsider to the world of foster parenting (not being a parent, foster or otherwise), but I really appreciate and enjoy having this window into your world. You're awesome! Remember, this too will pass...

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  16. Yesterday the reading I assigned for my large lecture (c. 120 students) was an article I wrote myself. In class, three students admitted to reading it and only two could state the general argument of the article--even after I offered extra credit to any student who was able to state anything at all about the article.

    Being a prof late in the term sucks. I love your blog.

    (FosterAbba's "faithful reader")

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  17. I appreciate your blog, and your wisdom and your thoughtfulness. Good thing you get some apprecation from somewhere, huh?

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  18. I'm a bit late here, but I just have to say that I love your blog too! You write such thought provocative and compassionate posts and it is the first blog I check every time. Thank you for writing!

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  19. Anonymous11:48 PM

    Totally appreiciate you. I should comment more. You are one of my favorite bloggers because you update a lot. Thank you for that effort.

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  20. {Hugs}. Sometimes that's better than a statement of appreciation, and since everyone else has already told you how much they appreciate you, I thought I'd send the hugs instead. :) Being a student late in the term is tough, so my free time is about nil right now. I'm behind on my blog reading, but not behind on my class stuff. I'm kind to my professors in honor of you! :D

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  21. I read! I just don't comment much because life is very busy now. I do appreciate you! I promise!

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  22. I should beg for attention more often! You are all wonderful. Thank you.

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Comments will be open for a little while, then I will be shutting them off. The blog will stay, but I do not want either to moderate comments or leave the blog available to spammers.