It is finals time around here. We are lucky to have the entire week of Thanksgiving off so that students can travel home. Thus, we complete the trimester before we leave and start fresh in December.
Some students are lagging these days. They truly are ready for break. At times, I feel like this too. The schedule here is demanding in many ways, and you don't truly get a break unless you leave campus.
Others are in a frantic mode of studying for finals. For some, this is the chance to final eke that A- up to their preferred grade. I feel this in myself, as I desperately try to plow through the last of my grading to hand back. I prefer to hand back work much quicker, but taking my own class this term has slowed me down. I'm also still writing my tests and must finish today so I have time to copy.
Still others have done the math and realized that simply passing their final will be sufficient to keep their grade stable. This is especially true for B and C students who are happy with their work (or those who realize that only a 99% can pop them up to the next level). These students are relaxed and ready to go home. This breed of student is rare, but it exists. I am not at all like this, but Matt fits the category well. His finals have been copied for a week. He knows what his preferred level of work is, and he can relax once he reaches that level.
In all areas of our school, we can see each of these students. While people can change, this definitely mirrors how they might approach life as an adult. We see similar habits as we approach large holidays and landmark celebrations.
Are you the major crafter who must pull off a homemade event, or are you the type who is happy to put out some beer, cheese, and crackers? In what spirit of mindfulness are you approaching the busy time that is coming up?