Lecturers are People Too!

Since being at uni, and in fact being at school, I have always forgot that teachers/lecturers are people too. They have their own life, their own goals, struggles and their own fears. Whenever I look towards a lecturer, I always think that they are scary people who get annoyed at any question that us undergraduates put towards them; that their time is wasted by teaching us.

I know this is a wrong way of thinking because like any teacher, if they didn't enjoy teaching, they wouldn't do it- or at least that holds true for most of them. So, whenever I pluck up the courage to ask them for help or their advice, it always comes as a shock to me how lovely and helpful they can be without any sign of being irritated or pissed off at me for having asked. It always shows me that instead of the reality that they are unfriendly and unwilling to help, I have mentally constructed them as some sort of villain for whatever reason.

The other day I emailed a professor who I had only been taught for one lecture and therefore did not know me at all to see if she could help me given her specialism was in the field of linguistics that I was doing for my assignment. I told myself the age-old saying of "nothing ventured, nothing gained" and knew that the worst she could do was say no- I wouldn't have lost anything. But to my utter surprise, she actually emailed me back with a response that went beyond my expectations. It was amazing. Not only did she give me references that I could work with, but she also offered to lend me her book. 

Referring back to my comment that she had no clue who I am, or what type of person I am; it astounded me that she had been so kind, generous and willing to help. It was one of those moments that threw me and made me proud to be part of this species that we call the human race. 

I forget that people are just like me and you out there that are some of the kindest people. Maybe I'm singing the woman's praises too high, but the small gesture of kindness put me in the best mood all day. 

I challenge you all to show a small act of random kindness to a stranger today and feel good in the knowledge that a small act of kindness can go a long way!

xxx