I love the first day of classes for the new semester.
Apprehensive students understanding and testing boundaries of what each professor will allow.
New commitments to work harder, get better grades, see the graduation light at the end of the tunnel.
A commitment to get jobs and get off the parental payrolls.
Of course, each semester brings with it that isolated student that is more flash than substance – those who have to be reeled in to toe the line of acceptable professional behavior. I am experienced in that realm. I have been at this a long time.
I love what I do — the ability to capture the imagination of students, to get them to think and to make a positive difference in the lives of young people is powerful and rewarding. I learned years ago that the academic process is not about me — it is about the dreams and aspirations of these students that count on us to deliver the goods.
I teach my students to focus on passion and know that the results will take care of themselves. Why do so many people tie their dreams to chasing the dollar?
The adage that you will never work if you love what you do is familiar to all of us.
I guess I was born to teach — I am so blessed that I found my calling.
About Hemant Rustogi