I am really lucky. I have an awesome job where I get to work these awesome people during the formative years. I get to really know them, work with them, and challenge them for four years of their life (sometimes three years). I get to know all their quarks and they get to know mine. I become their mentor and we become friends. It is so amazing! I love the cycle and hate it at the same time – it eventually ends.

Tonight, I ran across another former student I have spent a lot of time with over the years. Its the third former Wright Research Team Member I ran across this week. It was great to catch up with everyone and find out how successful their lives are now. I am so proud of them. But there is a small part of me that wants them back in my classroom, research lab, and hanging out in the department everyday. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GROW UP! (Jk of course) I imagine this how empty nesters feel when their children grow up. Oh no, Rosie is going to grow up!!!!!!!

On the professor front, the good thing is that I get a new batch of awesome students every year.