05 May 2009

Breaking the News

After much procrastination, I finally told my students today about my exchange. If you'd asked me beforehand how I thought it would go down, I would have said, "First block will be ecstatic that I'm leaving, second block will be suicidal, and third block will be generally supportive but not particularly interested."

And here's how it went down:

First block: Asked tons of questions (mostly pertaining to my car) but were quickly diverted by talking about various places they'd seen me around town and which gym I was a member of. Not a whisper of regretting that I won't be around next year.

Second block: Their lives are ruined forever. "Half the deal with signing up for French 3 is that you're teaching it," said Ludovic. And as flattering as that seems on the surface, Chloé said what he really meant which was, "Who's going to take us to France next year?!?" Adèle jumped in with, "Is she as mean and sarcastic as you are?" On the one hand, I was touched (this class *likes* me, they really *like* me!), but on the other hand, I'd like them to at least be a little open-minded about this awesome opportunity they're having next year.

Third block: Michel said, "That will be fun for you," but otherwise nobody really had anything to add.

So what's my score? 3/3. That's right, baby, who knows her students??

I'm off to send a reassuring email to Chloé, to make sure she hasn't started cutting herself or something...