In 3rd grade (maybe age 8), when coming back from the playground, my teacher had a rule:
STRAIGHT LINE, NO TALKING, NO TOUCHING
One day, when coming back from recess, I noticed that the kid in front of me, Joe, was crying. Now, I didn’t like Joe, he was a bully and had made fun of me and my friend group since the 2nd grade. But I still didn’t like just letting someone sit there upset. So I put a hand on his shoulder and said, “hey, are you ok?”
Thus breaking two of the three most important rules you could possibly imagine. The teacher came over and chastised me for “playing around in line”, completely ignoring Joe (who was still crying). I tried to argue, but to no avail.
Later that day, the teacher made a huge speech in front of the class about how sometimes you think you’re doing the right thing, but you still need to follow the rules, and gave me a citation in front of the entire class.
Oh yeah, I don’t doubt that for a second. Ms Schwalbach was a genuinely miserable person who had it out for me, for some reason. She taught me a valuable lesson that day, just not the one she tried to teach.
Edit: I was curious, and looked her up just now. She’s on the school district’s committee. Only the best make their way to leadership, I suppose
In 3rd grade (maybe age 8), when coming back from the playground, my teacher had a rule:
One day, when coming back from recess, I noticed that the kid in front of me, Joe, was crying. Now, I didn’t like Joe, he was a bully and had made fun of me and my friend group since the 2nd grade. But I still didn’t like just letting someone sit there upset. So I put a hand on his shoulder and said, “hey, are you ok?”
Thus breaking two of the three most important rules you could possibly imagine. The teacher came over and chastised me for “playing around in line”, completely ignoring Joe (who was still crying). I tried to argue, but to no avail.
Later that day, the teacher made a huge speech in front of the class about how sometimes you think you’re doing the right thing, but you still need to follow the rules, and gave me a citation in front of the entire class.
Also, Joe continued to bully me.
can’t help other people being bastards. can control yourself, and you did the right thing. Good job
Oh yeah, I don’t doubt that for a second. Ms Schwalbach was a genuinely miserable person who had it out for me, for some reason. She taught me a valuable lesson that day, just not the one she tried to teach.
Edit: I was curious, and looked her up just now. She’s on the school district’s committee. Only the best make their way to leadership, I suppose