And so it begins. Again.

I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester, but I drove in today to get my affairs in order. That means making sure my coffee maker works, loading up my office fridge with Dr Pepper, and meeting with a series of grinning young adults who are ready to dive in.

I also am working on my class scripts. I do not know how teachers-by-training do things, but I write a script for every class to make sure I cover what needs to be covered. This is the script for my campaign media class:

And yes. I assigned reading today for a pop quiz tomorrow, the first day of class, because I am that kind of turd. Oh, unclench. One of the questions (“What did you have for breakfast?”) is a softball.

I did not sleep last night and I was discussing this with a colleague who didn’t sleep, either. Neither of us teach today, yet still we suffered from the jitters. I don’t know why I was nervous about sitting in my office, cracking funnies with students and handing out candy, but I was. Tonight, the night before I actually step into a classroom, I expect to toss and turn like a champion.

Why am I so nervous? Because I feel the weight of being a teacher and I always wonder if I’m up to the task. Though I sound like a nerd admitting this, I wonder: Can I ignite and excited these students into further study of the law and communication and political campaigns? Will I find the right words to say that will make their eyes light up, draw them out in class discussion, and show them there is a new way to approach a topic?

I suppose we’ll find out. This time tomorrow I will be well into my second class of the morning, sinking or swimming. Wish me luck.