February Flew By!

 It seems like February just started! I suppose time flies when you're busy, and it flies even faster the older you get! That being said, February only had 28 days, so it really was a short month.

February 2 was my first day of teaching for the Goucher College Education Partnership (GPEP). GPEP is a full four-year bachelor's degree program available to incarcerated people at two of the Maryland Correctional facilities. The course offerings are identical to those on the Goucher main campus. In December, I was asked to teach a college writing prep course at the women's institute. 

It's a surreal setting: modular classrooms in the "quad" of the prison. Typical classroom activities, settings, and learning, but in a very atypical setting. One of my students remarked after the first few weeks of class that she loved the course because being engaged in learning, she often forgets where she is. This teaching, I believe, has been the most rewarding in my 30 year career.

This month, I was also able to spend some quality time with my grandson. We had an event-filled play date. He's growing from a toddler to a little boy. His language is advancing and he is elated to try new experiences and learn. February was also the month of his first hair cut! He really is growing up!

I also spent wonderful evenings with friends. Conversations were engaging, informative, and fun. I am reading David Brooks' new book, "How to Know a Person." My take-away from the work thus far is that deep conversations are essential to truly knowing someone. These conversations with my friends make me thankful for the relationships I have.

February also brought more snow, cold, and some rain. But with that weather, the hope for spring was ever-present. Spring-the time of new life and growth. I think that's just what I need!