End of the Year Gifts

I have taught for six and a half years. I have learned that students sometimes give gifts to their teachers at Christmas time and at the end of the school year. I have also learned that the younger the students are, then the more gifts a teacher brings home. I am teaching high school this year. Our high school is on a semestering schedule. This schedule is a lot like a college schedule where a year long course is covered in a semester with 85 minute classes everyday. I say all of this to tell you that I have finished teaching three classes of chemistry "for the year." I am about to start three new classes this next semester.

So, it is the end of the year for my students, and I have received some gifts. One of the gifts is the most unique gift I have ever received. I found, in my teacher box, this morning a gift box from one of my students. I opened it up to find a gift certificate to a "bar." Also in the box, I noticed an air hose, similar to those in hospitals which hook around your ears and insert in your nose. I was stunned. First, I don't frequent bars or clubs. Second, I thought it was a joke because of my hospital trip in the fall. However, I re-read the certificate and translated the Spanish a little more carefully. Apparently, I was given a treat to what is called an "Oxygen Bar." It is all the rage, I hear, in Bogota, Miami, New York and other cities. One teacher told me that she has been to that bar and their air is very good. The air is clean and scented and it helps vitality, strength, and overall health, both physical and mental.

So, I have received the gift of air from one of my students. She actually paid money so that I can enjoy some oxygen. I thanked the student, and told her I was excited. She beamed and said that she wanted to thank me for a good class. She was grateful enough to buy me some oxygen. "Good times," I say.

Another adventure awaits.