One of my typically-disruptive juniors tromped in and announced that he planned on being my best student today. “Great,” I said, surprised but completely supportive. “I’m really looking forward to this, Sam.”

Mid-way through the lesson, I couldn’t help but notice that this charming chap wasn’t really living up to best-student status.

“Hey, Sam,” I said to him, while making the group-work rounds, “I thought you were going to be my best student today.”

He looked a little sheepish and mumbled something about trying.

“Look, Sam,” I said, “I’d like you to put yourself in my shoes." He laughed a little, but he didn't refuse. "Imagine for just a moment that you are me.” I looked at him meaningfully. “And now imagine you are trying to teach the class with you in it.”

Sam smiled. I could tell he understood that my situation was a difficult one, to be sure. “But, Ms. W.,” he said, sucking up as best as he could, “you do such a nice job teaching us despite the adversity of having me in class.”