Little things...

Yesterday was a bad day in general for me.  My girls were a pain, there were a million things to do (my fault, really), and I felt like no one really cared about anything or any effort I made for anything.  Frustrating.  When I went to work in the evening, I had to go get some copies in the faculty resource center and check my mailbox.  Of course the secretary in the FRC had screwed up my copy request, so I had to do it again.  Typical, based on my day.  Then, in my mailbox, I found the evaluations for my course I taught last fall.  I didn't look at them until after my class was over, but when I did, they just made my day.

I had 15 students do the evaluation last semester.  All of them either strongly agreed or agreed with the following statements (note:  they could also have selected disagree or strongly disagree):

1.  I feel that I am performing up to my potential in this course.
2.  I had a strong desire to take this course.
3.  I would recommend this course to others.
4.  I would recommend this instructor to others.
5.  The instructor motivates me to do my best.
6.  The objectives of this course were clearly explained.
7.  Work requirements and grading were clear.
8.  The instructor uses course time well.
9.  The instructor gives clear explanations.
10.  The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.
11.  The instructor appears to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.
12.  The instructor is accessible to help students.
13.  The instructor makes it easy to get help.
14.  The instructor creates an environment comfortable for student interaction.
15.  I had adequate time to practice during class.  (my question)
16.  I am interested in continuing to the next level of this course.  (my question)

Awesome!  Then I flipped through the actual evaluations and read the comments portion.  There were only a few comments, but they made me almost teary eyed.  I really needed to see these:

She is the most amazing, helpful, and patient teacher i have ever met or had in my life

Class is very enjoyable.  I feel that with [KKJW]'s encouragement and instruction I can do better and better.

Awesome teacher.  Hope she teaches me more in the future.

I wish I could rock the piano like [KKJW], and hope to continue learning.

Then, I got a burrito from Chipotle for dinner, which made my evening great.  THEN I got some amazing news that made my evening absolutely fantastic!  I need to stop being so bitter about people walking all over me (or ignoring me in general) and focus on these little things that make me happy.  Easier said than done!