Now I Know What It Feels Like to Be a Loan Shark

"Hey John - when you gonna get me that.... "

John, uncomfortably staring past me with his phone in his hand, bounces on one leg while looking up and down the hallway: "Man, I just gotta take care of some stuff - I promise Friday."

"You know what's gonna happen if I don't get that ...."

"Man, I'm trying Mrs. Whistler.  It's hard... I've already talked to my boss...."

"Okay.  I get it.  Friday."

".... and he's gonna fix my schedule.  Please just give me a chance I need this, I gotta graduate in December and I'm taking six classes...."

"Life happens.  But I still need it and there's no good reason why you shouldn't have it."

Friday passes..... Its Tuesday and we are in class. 

"Some of you owe me ... make arrangements with me ASAP.  You have my number and my email."

The ones who haven't given me essays don't make eye contact, and instead jolt into action sifting through papers and files on their computers.

"Mrs. Whistler - can we talk outside?"

We are outside the room. He pushes down on the brim of his hat as if to prevent himself from floating away.

"Mrs. Whistler sorry I didn't let you know, but there was some stuff with my Grandma and I don't have it.  But I'll get it to you...."

"But you had part of it last class."

"I know, but I just need to get it straight."

"You've got 48 hours."

"48 hours.  Got it.  I'll get it to you."

Student gets essay uploaded.  I review and grade.  I see student next class.

"Mrs. Whistler, can we talk after class?"

"Sure."

After class.  Students have left.  He can't decide if he wants to sit, or stand.  He instead puts his knee on the rolling chair.

"Mrs. Whistler, I think the late penalty was a little stiff."

"There was no penalty - the number I gave you reflects what we've always discussed."

"Mrs. Whistler THAT was harsh."

"Harsh - what's harsh is how you've learned nothing from our conversations. You get out of it what you put into in."

"You think I want to be here, talking to you. I've got better places to be." He looks toward the doors.

"Then go. You've got plenty of other options. Try Burger Hut."

He takes two steps and stops.  He spins around on one foot and stops just short of the coffee cup in my hand.

"I can't Mrs. Whistler.  I'm in too deep.  And we've got history. I know you not gonna do me wrong."

That's right bud.  I break barriers, not legs.