This course reminded me of how overwhelm students can become, when they are coping with personal stressors and the stress of school. It made be appreciate the times when I have spoken to a student outside class to try to encourage them to keep going, inspite the adversities they may be encountering. It has especially motivated me to keep encouraging students, and smiling on those days when I don't feel like smiling. A smile and a hello can be a powerful motivator, althougnit may not always be enough when a student's stress level is to the point where they feel the only coping mechanishm they have is to turn and run. I feel as an instructor, I work with a team of people that has the students' best interest at heart, and that I am a very important player in the retention part of that. If we lose students, then I may lose my job.
