Failure IS an Option

1.  Some of your classmates are becoming too relaxed.  Please help your pals understand that this isn't high school, and that perfunctory attendance and perfunctory performance result in a perfunctory failing grade.

2.  "Failure is not an option" has been taken out of context and  become a cliche'.  Failure in this class -- and in college, and in your career, and in life -- is indeed an option, and some of your classmates are choosing failure.  You'll miss them at graduation, but not so much that you won't enjoy the day immensely. 

3. The research paper teaching cycle is over.  Most of your classmates will submit their complete research papers this week; some others have sanded down the rough draft and are applying the final coat of good, solid work (how's that for a metaphor, eh?) for submission on the 21st.  In the meantime, we are on to the persuasive essay.

4.  Remember that quizzes may infest your life...um...bless you with learning opportunities at any time.

5. Motivational speakers, inspirational tee-shirts, Orwellian groupthink (remember TAAS pep rallies?), and denial ("I've been in this class for months; the teacher won't flunk me; I've got to pass; I've just GOT to pass.") are not your friends.  Graduation is not given; you earn graduation through hard, slogging work, late nights writing and reading at the kitchen table after everyone else has gone to bed.