Source: Creative Commons

The start of the semester was somewhat similar for me as Professor Diva Mac indicated last week in her post. What a first day, what a first week.

Since I teach evening courses, most of my first day was spent running errands which ended up taking place at a mall—go figure! Once I made my purchases, I headed home to get ready for class. As I went over my “To Do List” in my head, I was ready.

1. Syllabus done–check!

2. Syllabus printed–check!

3. Outfit together–double check!

As I made my way on campus, you would have thought it was graduation. Students and faculty buzzed to class and hit the parking lot for that perfect spot.  I proceeded to park as security came up behind me.

Security: “Miss are you student, this is a faculty parking lot.” My first thought, yes, I know I look young, that’s why I’m a diva.

Professor: ” Um, yes, I teach here. Do I need a pass?” I thought to myself, I never did before.

Security: “Yes, you need a pass. But you can park here for today. You get them from 1600.”

Professor: “Ok. Thanks. I’ll take care of it.” Yeah right. I have yet to get my parking pass and parked in the same place for over a semester now. I guess I should get it because if my baby is towed, I will be HEATED.

So I proceed out  of the car and on to pick up the copies of my syllabus. I get upstairs, look them over, and see that they are ALL Fall 2009!  I breathe in and out as another professor walks into the workroom. I tell her my issue and how I sent printing services the wrong syllabus. She responds, “You get them (syllabus) printed? I make my students print them on their own off of icollege.” This great online tool is an internal website for students and faculty to post info for classes and use for online courses.

Luckily I went to school for broadcast journalism and have learned to think quickly on my feet. Bingo! I have it on my flash drive and can go over it in class. NOT!!! That was the wrong syllabus too. Now I really have to think because it’s saved on my desktop at home. Breathe.

This is where technology and my MIL (mother-in-law) come in. She’s a diva too and has a fierce eye for typos and grammar along with my FIL (father-in-law)! Thankfully I sent it to her to look over and still had it in my sent messages  file.  So I pulled it up in class (yes, the Internet in class on a huge screen) and told them that I will post to icollege and send it via email. Whew.

It was all good as I had the opportunity to meet my new students, learn a little about their backgrounds, and tell a little about myself. Two of my students came up to me at the end of class explaining how they had a huge fear of public speaking. I told them I understood and to try their best. In my mind, these two will be the students that really shine by the end of semester. Mark my word as the professor has spoken!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali