In Which I am Nominated as a Faculty Homecoming Candidate

My students are funny.

There is a strange arc that goes with being a student in my class. Not one that every single student follows, but definitely an arc that most do. The ins and outs aren’t important, but many of them come out the other side appreciative of what they went through. (Particularly those who believe school isn’t about a grade. Those who think grades mean anything usually dislike me greatly.)

And they have a sense of humor. How do I know, you ask? Here’s how: I’ve become a finalist for Faculty/Staff Homecoming King.

This is entirely because of my students who both nominated me and then – gleefully – engaged in a little campaign to get me here.

Normally I am opposed to such things. I am no fan of awards, banquets or celebrations that focus on past achievements or popular votes. I think we spend too much time in the world patting ourselves on the back and not enough time making new things.

I am a curmudgeon.

But I try very hard to support the activities my students are engaged. It will soon be their world and part of our responsibility as teachers is to make sure they have the chance to carve out their little niche just as we did ours.

Plus, this is all part of Brad@40.

Now I’m going with it. The kids have really gone out of their way. I can’t tell you how many of them have stopped by my office, stopped me in the hall, sent me messages or tweeted about this. To say they have been excited to get my grumpy ass into the top ten would be an understatement.

The least I can do is show up. With a smile.

Tonight that meant attending the Faculty and Staff Social, a little event organized at the Alumni Center for everyone who was nominated by the students. On Monday, we’ll find out who the students chose as this year’s faculty royalty at the Opening Day festivities. (Yes, I’ll be attending that as well.)

Heck, I’ve even purchased tickets to this year’s Homecoming football game, which is something I’ve never done. (Actually, I’ve never been to a college football game at any college I’ve attended or worked.)

All this is simply to say: I’m trying to get into the spirit this year. And my kids have certainly done their part to make that happen.

So: Go Cardinals!