END OF FALL SEMESTER 2007:

Dear Dr. Kirshner,

After your story about the student that gave you a gift and asked for a better grade--I hesitated on getting you something. However, I reasoned that I have worked hard in both classes and you'd see this for what it is--a gift of appreciation for a great semester rather than a bribe. :0)

The only complaint I had about your classes was that the American Govt book should only have your stories and the Western Civ. book should be full of your stories as well . . . although it would be hard for you to have stories from Mesopotamia because you don't look a day over 21. Too much? HaHa--I'll stop.

I never had a teacher relate a lesson through personal experiences or stories. However, after realizing how much I've remembered and learned through your method of story-telling. I only wish more people did it. Your honesty was also very refreshing as well.

I read over your 2003 self-evaluation and I can attest to your sincere warmth and candidness. I probably haven't asked as many questions as I should have, but I think the sci-fi guy asked them all and then some. :0)

This was my first semester at and it has gone very well--thanks to you! I'll see you next semester as well, for the second part of Western Civ. Are you sick of me yet? :0)

So you had my mom as a student and now me. I wish I would help you with you wish of having a 3rd generation pop-up . . . could you wait at least 18 years? Just kidding . . . my mom would probably kill me for that. . . . heh heh.

Thanks again for a wonderful semester--see you soon!

Sincerely,

The students signature followed along with these comments: Keep this . . . it might be worth something later on uh-oh . . . is this 'Hubris" or am I becoming full of myself like a professor I had 2X this semester. . .:0) kidding. . . see? I'm not anal retentive . . . at least not completely . . . "