How to get students who are afraid of you to speak to you

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Despite my presence at the seminary for three years in the summer English course, it seems that there are students who still don't quite know what to do with me. Some are intimidated to speak English in my presence (and the presence of the other teachers), some still don't know what to think of me as an ordained woman, and some don't know what to do with me as a woman period -- ordained or not. What this means is that at meal times my table is sometimes the last to fill with students. It's only taken me three years, but I've finally developed a strategy. I'm now making a point of being the last person to come to meal time. Now I can choose where I will sit, rather than waiting to see which students will be stuck sitting with me!

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Comments

[Maggie]

Soon things will change!
Once they get to know you they will be all trying to get a seat at your table.

[Brian Dixon]

I would sit with you. But I have always found you to be very clever so congrats on your system.

[anonymous]

Sounds like coffee hour!

[Ellen]

Oops, I forgot to put my name on that last comment.

[Diane]

not the first
I had to chuckle when I read this one, Amy. There have been a few others who didn't quite know what to do with you either. Have patience and God will let relationships blossom again for you.

[Mom]

Mina
Have been reading your entries from last year and are wondering whatever became of little Mina? Is he still living or did he go to his eternal rest? How are classes going this year? How many of the students have you had in the past two years? And how about the little girls....have they discovered that Amy is back? Are you acclimating to the heat yet. Would like to feel at least some of that heat....it has been in the 50's here. I'm afraid this is going to be one those very short Duluth summers. We were to Eau Claire to see Park play baseball the other night....they had had an inch of rain the night before and another inch during the night that we were there, although it was nice for the game. Park had a good game, got a double and caught a fly and threw to first for a double play....they have made much progress since last year. Jen is in Winnipeg this weekend, but and her friend Jodi Anderson and a friend of hers are going to be staying here tonight, running in Grandma's Marathon tomorrow. Lots of people around town. Waiting to hear more from you. Keep in touch. Love and prayers, Mom