Grades were in yesterday by noon, and thus ended my working life, at least for the forseeable future.

How did I spend my first afternoon “retired?”

I spent it in tears.

Because every so often an email would come in from a student, thanking me for the class, telling me what they learned and detailing the impact the class has had on them.

Each time my email dinged in, it brought another round of tears.

I can not tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of educating young people and preparing them for their careers.

Well, I could.

But then I’d cry all over again.