Attending college is hard work when you have to work to support yourself also. I have held my nose to the grindstone for quite a while now, doing all the homework and all the extra credit to enhance my GPA for the chance of a few token scholarships to help along the way.
I was sitting in the commons one day with my nose buried in a book. Two girls behind me were carrying on a muffled conversation. My eyes caught the faintest of words mentioning one of the teachers I have in the next semester. I listened more intently wanting to see what they say about him.
"Oh yeah, " she whispered, "he gives great extra credit."
Thinking that is exactly what I need, I didn't give their conversation much more thought and returned to my studying.
In the fall I arrived at Mr. Jones class promptly, wanting to set a good example. He was a handsome older gentleman. We each introduced ourselves and told a little bit about ourselves to the class. Then it was his turn. Mr. Jones spoke briefly but firmly, almost in a mysterious fashion. Perhaps it was because I wanted to know more about him that I felt slighted, I'm not sure.
Anatomy class proceeded. He forewarned us that this was one of the harder classes, so we would need to stay vigilant about our grades. I raised my hand.
"Do you allow us to do extra credit, if need be?"
"On a case by case basis, only."
He sounds like he is going to be a pretty demanding teacher but I already know that I work better under pressure so I should be fine.
A week later our first test is returned to us. Some of my essay answers were close but he still dinged me and counted them wrong. I talked to the girl next to me, she let me glance at her answers. I was shocked to see that he didn't ding her for the same things. My shock led to outright anger immediately... how dare he?
After class I approached him about it, thinking when it was just the two of us that he may correct the error. He didn't budge an inch so I pointed out that he had favored the other girl's answers. I saw his nostrils flare slightly then his eyes bore into me.
"I guess I was tired when I graded hers but I won't recant
my score on her paper."
"This is one of the lowest test scores I have ever received."
"Then I guess you will just have to work harder."
He turned back to his briefcase, as if to dismiss me. I stood there a while.
He looked at me again, "Was there anything else?"
"Um, no I guess not. Have a good evening."
I walked from the classroom feeling like I had just alienated the one person that I needed to befriend. The next couple classes I gave my full concentration to Mr. Jones. Test day arrived. I felt good when I left, knowing that I had done pretty well. The next time we convened I was shocked to see that I had done well on my multiple choice but my essay answers, which were worth 10 points a piece, were not marked good at all. At break I asked the other girl to see her paper again. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find that he did not dock her for giving the same answers I had.
After class I remained in my seat while the others left. He commenced to pack his briefcase, while I watched him.
"Is there a problem, Ms. Smith?"
"Yes, I think there is."
"Well, out with it, I have other things I need to attend to."
"You didn't give me credit for good essay answers again."
"Then you must have had the wrong answer."
"No, the girl next to me had the same answers and you didn't dock her."
"You seem to forget that essay questions are open to the teachers interpretation."
"Her answers were almost identical to mine."
"Or, perhaps you copied her answer during the test."
"NO, I am not a cheater!"
"Then work harder next time."
"This is wrong. I think you are singling me out."
"And why would I do that?"
"I don't know but I smell a rat here."
"Perhaps you should consider doing extra credit."
"Perhaps you should consider giving me the points I deserve on my test."
"This conversation is over. I will see you in class Monday."
I sat there bewildered. I have never encountered a teacher like this man. He is not only rude but he is partial. The thought of dropping the class crossed my mind, when I left the classroom. At least if I take the class with another teacher I will get the grades I deserve. On the way to my out, in a last ditch effort, I turn around and headed to his office to discuss extra credit.
When I arrived the lights were on behind the curtain in the window. Knocking on the door, there is no response. Any thoughts I had about pleading to do extra credit left my mind, like the wind going out of a sail. I walked to the closest chair, just around the corner and sat down trying to weigh other options.
I head his door open. I was about to get up when I head a female voice.
"Thank you Mr. Jones, I really appreciate you helping me with this class."
Remaining quietly around the corner, I listen intently for the rest of the conversation.
"You're welcome Ms. Brown. As you can see I can be a very forgiving teacher at times."
"Yes, you are and you have no idea how rewarding this experience, ummm... I mean class, has been for me."
"Good, I'm glad. I will see you on Monday."
I hunched down into the cushy chair in the small lounge trying to remain hidden. I saw the girl from my class walk down the other side of the hallway with a bounce in her step. I was trying to absorb what just took place. I know the conversation seemed innocent enough but something told me there was more to it. I picked up my books and walked to his office after the girl that I had compared test scores with, was out of sight.
Tapping lightly on the doorframe, "Mr. Jones?"
He looked up quickly, "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough."
"Long enough for what?"
"Long enough to know you are giving favors to another student."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"And what favors to you think I am giving?"
"I'm not sure but I know something isn't quite right here."
With a smirk he said, "Perhaps you should reconsider the extra credit Ms. Smith."
