There's Always One

my pet peeve in the classroom is the person who insists on asking 20 questions when the rest of the class is ready to move on to the next subject. i don't know if it's that they're a little slow on the uptake or if they just want to instructor to know that they're paying attention (i suspect the latter) but there's always one.

as luck would have it, i actually have two of these students in my class. every time i see one of their hands shoot up, i breathe an internal sigh of frustration. but tonight, i forced myself to see them differently.

i realized that they're both probably 40-45 years-old. i doubt either are taking this community college accounting course for a grade but instead, to advance their careers. they never miss a class and it's obvious by their determination to understand that they're really invested in the art of learning this subject.

don't get me wrong, they still annoy me from time to time but at least i have a new sense of respect for their reason for being there!