I hope you’re agreeable to a slight change of pace.  Something a little lighter perhaps? 
Today’s column isn’t really mine – it belongs mostly to the notebook of a non-traditional (slightly older) student I had quite a few years back.
Over the years, in both my ‘straight math’ classes and (especially) my classes for future teachers, I tried a variety of methods to get students writing, thinking, and communicating  – about math in particular, and education in general.  (Writing in a math class?  You bet! Nothing better to facilitate learning, but those are thoughts for another day.)
Some of these things I tried were ‘required’, and some were semi-optional. Usually they involved an end-of-semester notebook of  various thoughts through the semester.  The point wasn’t really to grade these thoughts or the writing itself, but to get them thinking about things that contributed to their learning, and – if they were future teachers – to their future students’ learning.
All semester, students would have the chance to respond (in their notebooks) to questions like “What is learning?”, “Are things learned by the student, or taught by the teacher?”, “What are some sources of learning besides ‘teachers’?”, “What is math anxiety?” and so on. 
As you can guess, the quality of these submissions varied greatly, depending on whether they were viewed as ‘busy work’ or learning opportunities.  This particular notebook was the one of the best I ever got – certainly the most fun – primarily because it was clear this student had been thinking about these things.  The notebook grabbed my attention from start to finish.  This is not to say that I agreed with all her thoughts, but I was constantly impressed by her self-awareness, her willingness to think for herself, and her spirit.
I worry that lifting these assorted gems out of context will spoil the fresh-thinking-but-thinly-disguised-by-jovial-irreverence that ran through her writing (note her view of math in general!), but I’m betting you’ll be smiling anyway.  Enjoy.

• I believe that learning has taken place when you feel an honest difference within yourself. Sure, college has made me book-smart, but few things have really changed me within.
• Teaching is only valid if there is someone interested in what you are teaching.
• I honestly find mathematics to be a pastime for individuals who are easily entertained. Who else would take pleasure in manipulating numbers all day long? 
• I have decided that confidence is a major part of learning.
• Also, I believe that a willingness to accept new ideas plays a part in learning.
• The seasons can be seen as a metaphor for life. I guess I’m in summer right now, and you’re in fall. 
• Life will educate you faster than any one human teacher.
• Give a child a bunny and watch them learn about gentleness.
• You know, I wouldn’t admit this to just anyone, but I’m learning a lot more than just equations here.

I have a feeling she knew that last one was part of the point.  Indeed, her own words help demonstrate that.