In the Oxford English Dictionary, the most fitting definition of the word light-hearted (sic)for my purposes is this one: “Characterized by cheerfulness or easiness; amusing, entertaining.” I have been teaching for nearly 34 years—more than 70 semesters, including summer classes—and for as long as I can remember, I have endeavored to keep the last day of class cheerful and amusing. Of course, the last day is often the last chance to prepare classes as a whole for the ordeal of final exams, and so it should be helpful and informative too. But it is also the culmination of a journey that the students and I have taken together. It is a time to celebrate what we have achieved as we prepare to go our separate ways, hopefully richer for our shared experience. As a result, although I am always upbeat, I approach my last day’s activities with particular enthusiasm.
