2005-04-08 - 1:07 p.m.

...spring and student communication...

Yesterday morning as I walked to the bus stop I noticed that the magnolia blossoms were just about to burst open. How on earth did that happen without my noticing it sooner?

Yesterday during class I confronted a student because I had noticed her reading the newspaper during my lecture. Later in the afternoon she emailed me a apology. It actually impressed me because her response was rapid and sincere. I guess students don't always realize that professors pay attention, but students do seem to care what professors think, and a firm but simple confrontation was enough to get the point across. Anyway, I respect someone who can openly apologize without making excuses, which this student did. I know from personal experience that it is not easy to do, and so I was happy to get her email.