My writing students keep a weekly “adventure journal.” Every week at the start of class I tell them a new adventure to go on some point during the week. Previous adventures have included keeping a dream journal, having a conversation with a tree, and trying a new type of food. The purpose of the adventures is to increase their creativity and get them out of the dorm rooms for awhile.
This week I thought it would be “fun” to make them find me and write their name in a small notebook I’m carrying for proof. I gave the adventure the grand title of Where’s Becky which was inspired by Where’s Waldo. They got some hints as to my whereabouts during the week (I told them about my nightly walk, and my general eating habits) and I made a few rules (“finding” me in our classroom building is verboten as is my office during office hours) but aside from that: game on. “Don’t be shy. If you see me, you can sign the book, even if I’m talking to someone, or eating dinner. Interrupting me is okay.”
I thought it would be fun, but I underestimated the tenacity of these students. I teach writing four times a week, for a grand total of 120 students, and almost immediately it felt like a fox hunt, with me as the fox.
Students tend to travel in packs as it is, and now when one sees me they all start shrieking and yelling my name (I told them that they would have to get my attention first. Even if I saw them first I wouldn’t say anything.) Teaching time I feel “safe” (because the classroom building is off limits) but as soon as class ends, my heart rate increases and paranoia sets in. As I bike away from the teaching building I have students chasing after me (“We are going to catch you!” they yell), while others secretly and silently follow me, popping up as soon as I park my bike. Some dedicated students even stood outside my apartment and waited until I came home at night. Another student joked that he was going to find me not just once, but everyday of the week (at least I hope it was a joke, I’ll find out soon enough).
I’ve never been a fugitive, or a criminal wanted by the law. But I’m beginning to understand how they feel!
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