Professor Patch

"Everybody has their problems, some are just better at hiding them."

 

     One day I went into my microeconomics class at BCC. The professor was seated and writing on her notebook. As the class assembled in front of us, she continued. She did not look up and acknowledge us, nor did she say anything.

     Once we were all seated, she stood up, turned around and began writing on the blackboard. She had only written a few words before she stopped, it seemed like something was wrong. As she turned to face the class, it was apparent that she had been crying. She spoke; “I’m sorry you guys. I just finished burying my father today. I can’t teach this class. You all are excused”. She sat back down and put her face into her palms.

     The whole class was really taken back. We all slowly put our books away and began leaving. I was the last one to leave. I was trying to think of some way to comfort her or something to say, but I couldn’t come up with anything. I just walked out of the class feeling really bad for her, as she still sitting there sobbing.

     Professor Patch was about a 45 year-old, slender woman. She always seemed like a very up-tight, serious type of person, so this day was really peculiar. But could you blame her? I couldn't believe that she had even attempted to teach under those circumstances.

     At the beginning of our next class, she apologized for what had happened and everything went back to normal. As the semester went on, I think that some of the students had forgotten about it completely. But I had always felt really bad for her. She just seemed like a very reserved person, she wasn't much for humor.

     About a year later, I was with my friend at a craft store in the Vestal parkway mall. While we were shopping around, we happened to run into Professor Patch. I said “Hi Professor Patch, how are you”? She stopped and looked at me; it was easy to tell that she had no idea who I was. “I’m Daniel Reynolds, I took your microeconomics class a few semesters ago”, I said. “Oh hello, how are you”? she replied. After that it was kind of one of those awkward silences, and so I struggled to find words. “You were the greatest teacher; I really enjoyed your class! I wish that you taught more classes that I needed”, I said. She replies; “That is really nice of you to say! You know what, I do teach macroeconomics too. Are you a business major”?

I confirmed; “Yes I am a business administration major. I do need to take macroeconomics very soon, I didn’t realize that you taught that class too! I will definitely make sure that I enroll in one that you teach."

 

      We chatted for a few more minutes and then we went our separate ways. I began to think back on her microeconomics class. I didn’t enjoy that class at all. It was actually quite boring and difficult; I think I had gotten a C in it. I couldn’t understand why I had said all of that stuff to her. Maybe it was because I still felt really bad for her because of that day she was a mess. I really cannot explain it. I actually did know that she also taught macroeconomics, and I was planning on taking it with anybody else.

 

     Anyways, a few days later I was walking on campus with some friends when she seen me and stopped me. She said; “Hey Daniel! I just wanted to tell you how much it meant to me when I seen you the other day. This job can be very difficult at times, and I never get any compliments, especially like that. I had a huge smile on my face for a long time after I seen you. Thank you so much! I really look forward to having you in macroeconomics”.

 

     Wow. “What a nice lady”, I thought to myself. She really made my day with that, and I will never forget it. It was really bizarre how I was not being sincere, and here was such a sweet woman.

     The next semester, I enrolled in her macroeconomics class and I sat in the front row. It was the first and only time that I would consider myself a “teacher’s pet”. I made sure to try my hardest in that class and seem very involved in her lectures. It was another difficult class, but I ended up getting an A. I think that she might have been a little bit generous in grading my exams, but I can’t confirm this.

 

     It is amazing how far just a little bit of kindness can go. I hadn’t even intended on making her day, but it made me realize a lot of things about life. Sometimes it only takes a small, kind gesture to make a new friend or to make somebody’s day. So many people work so very hard every day without every getting a single compliment. I have had some very difficult, mundane jobs over the years. And I have realized that even when I am performing a job that I dislike, a little appreciation can go a very long way. I think that if there were just a little more kindness in the world, that it could make a huge difference.