Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Happy Jackie Day?

I have to say that today at work ended up being very special. I arrived before everyone else, as usual. And I was tidying up the kitchen when Bronwyn (a second year student) came in and gave me a hug and said that she hoped that I had a great day. "So far so good" was my reply. Then she told me that she had won a scholarship for next years tuition! A little while later, I was reminded that it was our last day of class for the second years and they were wondering if I could have lunch with them. "Of course!"

At lunch time I went and picked up my lunch from the staff room fridge and went to the textile's studio class room to have our last day of class lunch. The little sneaks had planned a party for me and were calling it "Jackie Day"!!! I was sideswiped! They had cookies (deadly chocolate ones with mini peanut butter cups and caramilk squares inside!!) Chocolate cake. Cheese and crackers. Chips and salsa. I ate so much.

And then they gave me flowers and presents. Sandi had asked me yesterday what my favorite flowers were. We had been talking about gardens a few days before and though nothing of it when I replied "Irises" And then went on to describe the irises that I have that will bloom in about 5 or 6 weeks. Well, the florist had no irises (except the open ones on the counter) and so she picked me up tulips. They would be # 3, after peonies.
Aren't they pretty! They also had some other things like the BEST FRESH DATES ON THE PLANET! An assortment of bath relaxation products (including a compressed "instant" face cloth), Lotto tickets (no winners), A "queen for a day" bag, Chocolates that I am NOT sharing, And a new car. They had all heard of my car troubles and thought that a Jag convertible would be just the thing. I can only agree. There was also a card made by Pip, in which she sweetly thanked me and promised to be more tidy next year. I'm going to hold you to it!

So thanks to all of the Fiber Arts students ( and faculty) for making this a great year and a very special day. I'll be happy to see you all throughout the summer and next fall. Except for Sandi, who lives about an hour away and will not be returning. She was on sabbatical this year and is going to go back to her regularly scheduled life next year. I'm gonna miss you!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Jackie, on your special day!

Anonymous said...

That is just TOO sweet. I can only imagined how shocked you must have been.

Valerie said...

What a great testimony to what you've done with these students this year! Bask in that sunshine!

margene said...

You deserve to have a special day!

clothesknit said...

I love it! Happy Happy Jackie Day! Tell hubby this means you get to sleep in until at least 10 Sunday morning ;o)

Anonymous said...

Hubby would gladly let Jackie sleep in until 10 on Sunday, but I'm not so sure that the wee Nicole would allow it. She loves her morning cuddles with mama, and she will never sleep that late.

I was glad (but not surprised) to learn that the students appreciate Jackie so much, and show it. I'm sure that she deserves it. She's an amazing woman. My students never show any appreciation for anything I do. They only whine about their grades after they have done little or nothing to understand the subject. Most have no idea how to work or to study. Maybe I need to leave engineering and start spinning and weaving. Looks like it's more rewarding.

I think the difference is this: at the craft college they get only students who are genuinely interested in learning what is taught. Or mostly so. It's not mainstream. But in the engineering school we get a lot of students who are just there to get a piece of paper so they can get a cushy job that pays well. Most of them don't care about learning anything. Parental pressure has driven a lot of them there.

They pay the tuition so they feel they deserve the grade no matter how little they ever learn. It's a sad state of affairs. I may soon leave to return to private practice. The university really depresses me, as Jackie can attest, and the 80 to 90 hour weeks are not that conducive to a good family life. Sigh.

Okay, back to celebrating Jackie. She's awesome. Keeps me sane.

Anonymous said...

Jackie,

So glad to hear that you are well appreciated and truly admired by your students and staff. Congratulations!

Leigh said...

What a wonderful surprise for you! Well deserved I know. So may I join them in wishing you a Happy Jackie Day!

Anonymous said...

How sweet! Happy Jackie Day!

kelli ann & lorie said...

that is amazing: thanks for telling us about your special day, jackie. what a great group!! all the best, KAF