Scenario:I am a professor. At the end of my lecture, Jessica Johnson waits for the other students to leave before approaching me.
"Hey, Mister, I have a favor to ask. Is there any way I can get extra credit? I really don't want to fail this course."
Create my version of this story
I am a professor. At the end of my lecture, Jessica Johnson waits for the other students to leave before approaching me.
"Hey, Mister, I have a favor to ask. Is there any way I can get extra credit? I really don't want to fail this course."
Henry Lee
He is a professor and mentor at a university. He is thoughtful, compassionate, and insightful. He balances his academic responsibilities with helping students in need, like Jessica Johnson. Despite his heavy workload, he takes the time to support students who struggle, like Emily Wilson. His interactions with students often reveal his caring nature and his willingness to go above and beyond for their benefit.
Emily Wilson
She is a student who frequently falls asleep in class and struggles academically. She is friendly, vulnerable, and anxious. Emily often leaves early after meetings with Henry, hinting at a deeper issue beyond her academic struggles. Her interactions with Henry suggest that she relies on him not just for academic support but also for emotional stability. Her relationship with him provides her with comfort, although it may pose challenges as she navigates her personal trials.
Jessica Johnson
She is a student struggling in one of Henry Lee's courses. She is determined, persistent, and apologetic. Jessica approaches Henry for extra credit to avoid failing the course. Her interaction with Henry shows her effort to seek help and her humility in asking for assistance. Although she doesn't succeed in getting extra credit, her willingness to solve her academic challenges impresses Henry and reflects her hard work and dedication despite her struggles.
After class, I stay behind to write some notes on the blackboard.
As the last of my students leaves, Jessica Johnson waits until they're all gone before approaching me.
"Mister, I don't know if you remember me. My name is Jessica Johnson."
I turn around and look at her.
"Of course, I remember you, Ms. Johnson. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering...Is there any way I can get extra credit? I really don't want to fail this course."
I look at her.
"Let me ask you something, Ms. Johnson. Why should I give you extra credit?"
"I'm not asking for a free ride, Mister," she replies.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes—whether it's an extra assignment or a test or whatever. I just really need to pass this class."
I consider her request.
I can't give her extra credit just because she asked.
That wouldn't be fair to the other students.
However, I do admire her determination.
She could have given up and dropped the course, but she's trying to find a way to pass.
I think about what I can do to help her.
I walk to my desk and pull out my calendar.
Jessica stands next to me, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
The afternoon light streams through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the empty desks.
I flip through the pages of my calendar, looking for an open slot.
"Next Wednesday at 2 PM," I say.
"I have a free hour then. Would you like to meet with me?"
She nods eagerly, clutching her textbook closer to her chest.
"Yes, that would be great. Thank you."
I write down her name in my calendar and then tear off a reminder slip with the date and time.
I hand it to her.
"Here's a reminder. Just come back here at 2 PM next Wednesday."
She takes the slip of paper and tucks it into her notebook.
As she does, I notice her peeking at the other appointments written in my calendar.
As I finish writing her appointment slip, I notice Jessica lingering by my desk.
Her eyes are fixed on my calendar, as if she's trying to memorize the names and times written there.
The afternoon sunlight streams through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the empty chairs.
Before I can ask her why she's still here, footsteps echo from the hallway.
I turn to see Professor Martinez standing in the doorway, his leather briefcase in hand.
He steps into the room, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," he says, moving closer to my desk.
"Perhaps I could assist with some tutoring sessions?"
Jessica's posture stiffens at his suggestion, and she clutches her backpack strap tighter.
