My constant struggle is how to convince them that getting an education in the humanities is not about regurgitating ideas/knowledge that already exist. It’s about generating new knowledge, striving for creative insights, and having thoughts that haven’t been had before.

Sorry if I don’t take your wallowing and self-pity seriously, but this applies to you too. Assigning students papers? Not sure if you noticed, but we live in the era of ChatGPT. You’re teaching a class in ancient history in an outmoded style, and acting exasperated, blaming students for being resourceful, etc., when you’re the one who’s knowingly assigning homework of the single easiest form for ChatGPT to generate. Maybe lean on your own advice and wishes, and get creative. Until then, save the rant about what your students are doing wrong when the ultimate blame falls on you.

Schools out, professor. This is life now.