Two-Minute Drill

The end of the semester is weeks away, with the clock ticking on two major projects for one class and finishing a workbook for the other. Meanwhile, there is the flu going around, colds hitting everyone, family emergencies, sudden deaths, and all manner of interruptions that are interfering with the educational process.

I remember the stress of college classes, but also the "death penalty" mentality of the instructional program: you do this on your own time, do it correctly, and do NOT even think about handing in an assignment late, no matter the reason or the excuse. That is not the same mentality driving this semester as making it to more than half the classes seems to justify passing a class or dropping it before the F lands. And the most oft-asked question is either, "Did I miss anything?" or "Did we do anything" when a student is absent, a hold-over from high school.

Of course, my response, "Nah, we saw you weren't here, so we just sat and talked so you wouldn't miss anything" flies right over the brain housing.

When push comes to shove, show up, suit up, and get in the game. Last weekend, I saw the New England Patriots lose a game in the last 4 minutes, a game they were sure they had won. Sure, the coach made a questionable call, but the bottom line is the game is in the Loss column as of the final tick of the clock. On the other hand, the Colts showed that no one should ever stop playing the game just because they think they may have already lost. They did in 4 minutes what should have been done in 4 quarters, but sometimes people need the intensity of the pressure to perform to their highest level, and that's where the semester is.

Those who think they've secured an A cannot afford to let up, while those who are praying for a C may surprise themselves with a strong "last 4 minutes" performance surge. It ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings, and I'm just starting to hum.