Did you get that thing I sent you?

Hello Jake,

This is Jake. I trust that you have found yourself a job and that your first year has been challenging, yet rewarding. I am writing this just to give you some words of encouragement and advice. Remember, you have gone through a lot to get here. The hurdles were numerous and daunting, but you made it through, and your GPA wasn’t half bad. I have a few tips that I hope will help out. First of all, breathe. Don’t forget to pull your head above water and find some me time. You didn’t have much of it over the last few years, and video games, creative writing, and your guitar have helped you cope. Also, make sure that you keep your planner up to date. You haven’t done a very good job of it, and consequently, some things have slipped your mind. For example, you were supposed to have posted this letter two days ago, and it just dawned on you after dinner and drinks that you were supposed to have had it finished already. I would also suggest you keep in touch with your friends. Family is great, and your coworkers can help with some things, but you need people that you can be completely honest with. The last few months have been filled with a lot of alone time, and despite the fact that you have always been able to entertain yourself (face it, you are great company), there is still that need for actual human contact. You don’t want to be the lonely middle aged American male with no close friends other than a romantic partner. Oh, I also hope that you have found one of those, but back to school stuff. Remember to keep yourself organized. You have always kind of struggled with that. Don’t procrastinate on grading. Make the time to get it done, and try to finish it as soon as possible. I would also suggest to keep a hard copy of student grades. Computers do not always behave like you want them to, and you will thank yourself for having a backup. Speaking of backups, have extra activities planned in case you are sick or a lesson plan runs short. It is better to over plan. Sometimes a fun learning activity will help fill the last minutes of a class period. They will be entertaining and educational. Always keep candy handy for yourself and for your students. Everybody enjoys a reward now and then. Sometimes it comes in the form of sugar and other times it can be in the form of points. Extra credit at the end of the semester often keeps students engaged. Although a few points will not significantly impact a student’s grade, it will definitely act as leverage in your favor. It may a bit deceptive, but the kids won’t know the difference, and they all like extra points. Well, I am sure that you have some grading to get to, or maybe you are trying to read the newest Palahniuk book, so I will let you go.