Seen

It’s mid-afternoon on the last day before Summer vacation, so I make sure class doesn't start until I see every last one of my students. I close the door and zoom around the room, doling out high-fives, fist-bumps, and, "Hey, you okay? Something bothering you today?"  I offer up a “way-to-go,” a “proud-of-you,” and "See? I told you so."

Only then does everybody get my, “Alright seniors, let’s get ready. On the other side of this test is the rest of your life. Now, clear your desk for your final, final exam.” I reach for the scantrons just as the phone rings.