I teach. I teach a lot, even though it's not my day job. In the past twelve months I've taught two insurance courses and three university courses. I hear that that's a lot, although it doesn't feel as bad as it sounds.
One of my former students is moving to a nearby city. I've always had a good relationship with her - she's the teasing type that does it with a smile on her face so that you know it's good-natured. She's said some nice things about me to other people who know me, which is always appreciated, and I've always enjoyed dealing with her when our professional paths have crossed. Well, tomorrow she is moving, and she wanted to say goodbye.
She gave me this wonderful metal paperweight that's inscribed "Wisdom begins in wonder - Socrates" and a beautiful card. Wow. I was completely surprised. What a sweet and kind gesture.
The secret is that people like T. are exceptionally easy to teach. They are naturally curious and ask a lot of questions. They wonder why things are how they are and don't merely accept that they are that way. They have a sense of humour that complements their curiosity. Learning can be fun. For T., I'm convinced that it is - and because it's fun for me, too, we clicked.
These students are exceptionally rare. I've had some great students over the years that I've been teaching (seven, hard to imagine)... but a few really stick in one's head.
T., best of luck at your new job and in your new city. I'm only an email away.