The return of the students

Most of the students in regular programs at my university had an exam period in early January, followed by a winter break. As a result, Tuesday was the first day of regular classes for any of the students in degree programs. For some reason the Belarusian students have another week off, but the foreign students are generally back and I’m happy to see them. Tuesday felt like a big reunion, as I ran into people I’d gotten to know and enjoy previously.

On Wednesday a couple of my Italian friends had an English conversation class in the auditorium adjacent to mine. Upon learning that this class was small enough to interrupt without looking like a jerk, I knocked on the door and indicated Nicola and Luciano while advised the teacher in very sober English, “If these guys give you any trouble at all, just knock on the wall and I’ll be right over.” Fortunately, she didn’t have to knock. My own class has been interesting and productive, and I really enjoy being there.

When my class closed, I walked through the university toward the coat room and ran into another old friend and a new friend, both just returned to programs they are excited about. While the program at MSLU isn’t accredited in a lot of countries outside of Belarus, it’s certainly a step up for many students and they’re happy to be here. I find the excitement infectious.

I’m looking forward to the return of the Belarusian students too. They’re also a lot of fun, and the only major downside of their return is that the line will get long (and sometimes wide) in the cafeteria. I can deal with that. Generally.