Little things

The joy of returning to in-person schooling is manifested in the little things.

Running into a student who thought lessons began this week, and then grabbing lunch with them.

Taking that lunch at the welcome-back picnic on the Quad, where I ran into the Chancellor for a quick visit, talked with another much-loved student, and chatted with the food-service manager about some exceptional pasta salad.

Hearing a locker door slam outside of my studio.

Receiving drop-in visits from students.

Congratulating a new colleague on their successful dissertation defense, and calling them Dr. Coppola for the first time.

Moving forward on projects that need completion, and planning more projects.

Savoring the immediate access to my vast print library in my studio, rather than planning a trip to campus to collect things.

Loving the sound of singing voices in person.

Chattering with colleagues in the hallway, almost like normal.

Finishing and posting a full teaching schedule.

Anticipating our in-person Convocation tomorrow.

Coaching my students for auditions and call-backs.

My first photo of Thompson House, Webster University.