Since I began teaching on the adjunct faculty at the Tulane School of Social Work in 2013, I've learned that most of the professors celebrate the end of the course semester with some kind of closing ritual. Sometimes there are specific things that the students want to do or share. Sometimes, it's just about the chance to share food and casual conversation.
I always try to do something a little special that is meaningful to me. In the past, I've:had my students pick meaningful words or quotes out of a jar and the following year I made bookmarks. This year was different. I had a smaller class this semester, and I only had one class. With 12 students, I could make something even nicer and a little more time consuming. I knew it had to be the tiny votive candles enlightening some special place, person or thing. While I toil, I ponder. I also ponder on my bike rides to and from school. I wanted to make this last class special. I think I succeeded.
I had lined the little decorative votives up on the ledge of the board. Once everyone arrived, I asked them to come up and choose one of their own and return to their seat and DO NOT TOUCH it until I offer further instructions (Of course, that didn't exactly happen.) I turned out the classroom lights, so that we were basically in the dark and said: Each of you are special. Each of you have your very own light as a social worker and you bring your light and your uniqueness to the profession. Turn on your lights. Together, we are stronger and even more special.
Let Your Light Shine!
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