Midterm Letter
Dear Marlen,
This class is everything I thought it would be, and more. First of all, I was extremely scared when you first sent us an email as soon as I signed up for the class stating that it was going to be a lot of hard work. The hard work part didn’t scare me as much as you sending such an intensive email. I have never had a professor do that before, so needless to say you scared me. But now, I am no longer scared or worried about the hard work. To be honest, I kind of like it. I find that by working hard on a special project, something that is dear to me lets me appreciate it more and complete it better too.
I enjoy that our class is internet based as well as group discussion based. By blogging, I have come to realize it is not nonsense blogging, but items that will help me write my paper, and write it in the correct, formatted way. The only thing I get concerned with it when the blogs take a lot of time to complete. I have to judge my time better in order to not feel so overwhelmed by the work load of this class and my other four classes. The in class discussions are great, even if sometimes we get off topic and talk about nonrelated research topics. =) I find that by hearing how others are approaching a project and what they are struggling with, helps me. I can then find ways to approach the project, without running into the problems others were having.
Over all, the class has a great feel to it. It is not rushed, even though there is a lot to get done in a short amount of time. The best part I like about this class is the grading system. Not that is it easy to get an A if all of the work is completed and completed correctly, but the pressure to get that A is not there. When a class hangs on test scores, I find myself not enjoying the class or learning for that matter. I learn what is needed for the test and I somehow forget it right after the test. I feel the pressure is the issue. This class allows me to learn and experience, which is what a class should do. I have a couple scholkarships that are based on GPA and as one can imagine, that can be stressful. I want to learn, which is why I choose to go to college, and I don’t want to forget what I learned after the class is over. With your class, I think I will remember the key points for a long time, and use them over again. I want to thank you for understanding the pressures of grades, and making your class awesome and enjoying what you do. =)
Always,
Leslie Bartlebaugh
Final Letter
Dear Marlen,
This semester has been a journey that I did not expect. I knew the class was going to be challenging, but what I didn’t know was that it was going to change my life. I have always wanted to express my condition, but in a way that would benefit others and become therapy for myself. It was a hard thing growing up with hyperhidrosis, but after writing this paper and going through some interesting things along the way, I have found it is okay to be yourself even if you are different.
Everything we have done in this class has been educationally and fully worth it. The way you went about “teaching” us was definitely helpful. By doing the work ourselves, it allowed me to look for the information and to retain it because I had to work for it. Even though everyone should get an A in this course, working hard for that A was well worth it. I feel so accomplished with my paper and now see things in a new light.
I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Your easy going teaching style made class enjoyable. The pressure of grading was not there, but the expectation to do well was all I needed to produce a paper I was really proud of. So thank you Marlen for being my friend, teacher, and inspiration for this research paper and class!
Always,
Leslie Bartlebaugh
