First, I had book club with a bunch of kids who show up early to school to discuss a book they’ve all read for fun in their free time.

Then, a cute girl for whom I wrote a college recommendation gave me a present and a card that said I was a good role model for her.

I mean, really. It was too good to be true.

So, during first hour, I told one of my stubborns that he absolutely HAD to have his ethical-issue research paper topic chosen by 9:15. At 9:15 on the nose, I said, “Luke, do you have a topic?”

“Yes,” he proclaimed, “I want to write about obesity.”

“Oh-kay!” I exclaimed, supportive. “Why are you interested in that?”

“Because I hate fat people,” he explained matter-of-factly.

Yeah. The sad thing is I'm completely willing to capitalize on that if it means he'll complete the project.