  I was standing in our departmental workroom today, and being the last week of courses it was busy with students to'ing and fro'ing getting their coursework in etc. The next thing I knew one of my HND students Graeme went into his bag and handed me a Parker Pen as a wee present 'for all you've done for me'. I was blown away, mainly because male teachers generally don't get anything from male students! I thanked him and left to go outside for a ciggie as this had really got to me.
I am meant to be a tough no-nonsense Glaswegian! Ha. When I came back upstairs, there were even more gifts and cards from my HND group from the likes of Victoria, Elaine, Kay and Leigh. I then saw them all saying their goodbyes to my historian colleague Una. This gave me an opportunity to say thanks and cheerio as well. It was patently obvious that they all have really enjoyed their time at Kilmarnock College, and were going to miss it. All are away to University to do either psychology or social sciences. Many have been accpted into second year and some into third. Many have been with us for four years, starting at the 'bottom' doing modules and Intermediates, and have now surpassed their wildest dreams. As I always told them would heppen if they followed 'the script. ' I stood at the window watching them all go through the gate for the last time and a tear rolled down my face.
More than one actually. I will particularly miss Victoria's intensity, Leigh's poems, and Elaine and Kay's dedication to task. As for Graeme I've always missed him, as his attendance was rubbish! But you have an exceptional excuse my friend. Bon voyage my finest. Go take the world on, and come back some day to tell us how you have done. 
