I am occasionally asked why I teach at a small liberal arts college like Messiah College. While I remain loyal to Messiah and its mission, when May rolls around I am usually exhausted by the endless meetings I attended, classes I taught, and department responsibilities I had to fulfill. I have often wondered if the grass might be a little bit greener somewhere else.
But whatever doubts I have about fulfilling my vocation at a place like Messiah disappear during graduation weekend. Tonight I spent the evening with our graduating history majors and their families at the Messiah College baccalaureate reception. It was a time of goodbyes, reflections on four years of academic life together, and thoughts on what the future might hold.
In a small department like the one in which I work, it is not unusual for a student, over the course of his or her college career, to take three or four courses with a given professor. We build relationships with these students–as instructors, advisors, and friends. (In fact, after graduation tomorrow morning I am headed to the wedding of a former student). At Messiah we have managed to balance the academic rigor of a history department with a caring and supportive community for our students.
So when I spend time with our graduates and their families every May it reminds me of one of the reasons I do what I do.
wonderful photo!
have a great time at the wedding!
I, for one, am so glad you rediscover the green grass of Messiah each Spring and don’t leave us in search of something even greener!
Thanks, Beth!