Fancy Seeing You Here!

Having taught high school social studies for ten years before my older daughter was born, I often run into former students.  Even if I don't remember the name, I almost always feel a familiarity for the face.  I see these kids everywhere:  one was a server at our favorite restaurant, one worked at Walmart, another at Pier One, another is now a teacher at my daughters' school.  One girl (woman) even got my attention at a red light, rolling down her car window to give me a shout out (which is one of those trendy terms that I might not be using quite appropriately).  Now normally when I run into a student, they give me the whole, "Hey, Mrs. Howland! I loved your class!" kind of deal (okay, not always the "loved your class" part, but there's always definite enthusiasm).  But not last week.

I'm at the gynecologist's, ready and in-position for a Pap smear. The doctor calls the assistant in, and I recognize her as a former student, though I don't remember her name.  Let's call her Suzi Slackjaw.  I chirp, "Did you go to Lincoln High School?"  She flatly replies, "Yeah, you were my teacher."  "Chilly" is a word that could be used. "Uncomfortable" works on many levels.  Needless to say (and I say it anyway), it's humiliating enough to be greeted with less than apathy when you're fully dressed and standing up.  Splayed and covered in paper, it's quite the vexation.  Moral of the story:  Be nice to everyone you see on the way up, because they could end up seeing way more of you than you ever imagined.

On the other hand, Bruce (last name not remembered) who works at Pier One was happy to see me, reminding us all it's always better to be a customer than a patient.