College students often expect responses instantaneously and become angered if their friends have turned off their cell phones or did not leave an away message on instant message. A "60 Minutes" television segment in 2004 described how today's generation of college students, called "echo boomers," are "the most sophisticated generation ever when it comes to media." They experience a world of complex feelings through fleeting images and abbreviated messages. These are the students of today. Educators cannot ignore who they are when they enter their buildings; they must learn and adjust to how they have come to know themselves. Joining students' 24/7 instant messaging world sends dread through many an educator. The author, by contrast, believes that being an easily accessible icon on her students' computer screens is an important part of her work. She says with confidence that the conversations she has with students through IM are too productive to give up. (Contains 2 notes.)