The True Rewards of Teaching

Alexandre & Ingrid: Two prized pupils.

While Mindy has been on the receiving end of some pretty fabulous and interesting gifts from some of her Chanel students, I have received only the satisfaction of knowing that my profession is an honourable one where I am helping to further educate my students. Until this past Monday.

My Mondays consist of teaching students all day from Societe Generale, and this past Monday happened to be the last class for two of my favorite students from SG, Alexandre & Ingrid. During the past couple of months, we have shared many laughs in the classroom as they are both students with a keen sense of humour who are confident enough in themselves that they can laugh at their mistakes. It also helps that they really show no mercy in teasing each other or if they have the chance, their teacher. They have been a real pleasure to teach.

Since it was my last day with them, they took it upon themselves to get me a little present. I was taken totally by surprise and was truly touched by the gesture. The gift they decided to present me with was a copy of Indiana Jones and the Sky Pirates...in French!!! So that would actually be Indiana Jones et les Pirates du Ciel. In my English classes, my students have to read everything I put in front of them out loud (to correct their pronunciation). So it was time for the students to turn the tables on their teacher. Alexandre and Ingrid had me read a page from the new book to them, with them correcting my pronunciation. We had a good laugh. I have promised them I will finish the book and send them a summary (yes, all 300 pages will be read). Anyway, it was a great way to finish the class with them and a nice bonus from two great students.

As I left Tours SG on Monday evening, this was the view of Les Grandes Arches.