Today started the first week after I had completed my full teach for the semester. On top of teaching half of the day’s classes, I decided to also use the extra time to connect with my students on a more individual level. I asked several of my students how their days were going, and what their plans were for after high school. The time I used to talk to them was also supplemented with the work that I was helping them with. This time, connecting with my students was a lot easier because they were used to my presence in the classroom and I had built positive relationships with them throughout the semester.