I think I made a valiant effort with my sixth hour today. I wanted to review with them some important search tips when working with databases. I also tried to help them brainstorm important world issues for their zines. Finally, I wanted to teach them the new skill of compiling an annotated bibliography.

And I kept trying to accomplish these objectives despite repeated misbehaviors by several students, whom I corrected patiently when necessary.

Everything came to a screeching halt, however, when Dylan announced his plan to secretly videotape the impending birth of my child and subsequently show stills of my private parts to the class.

“Okay,” I said, resigned. “I guess I’m done.” I sat down at my desk mid-database demonstration and went back to the huge pile of papers I need to grade before Thursday.

Later, when Dylan came over and tried to make conversation by asking, “Didn’t a horse die or something?” I still wasn’t in the mood to interact.

“I have no interest in talking to you,” I told him.

He laughed a little.

“No, really,” I said, looking down again.