It was the first day of the class. I got up early, threw on a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, and a ball cap with the bill turned backwards and hurried off to my eight a.m. class, Introduction to Astronomy. I have always been interested in astronomy, so I took a seat in the front row. But the lesson I learned that day was not on the syllabus. I discovered how quickly a mean-spirited professor could dampen my desire to learn.

When Dr. Laster walked in and thumped his books on the desk, the classroom was filled, and several students were standing along the walls. The professor looked around the room until his eyes stopped on me. He did not look pleased. “Young man,” he said, “where are vour manners?” I looked around and saw female students standing as I sat. Embarrassed, I rose and gestured for one of them to take my seat. “Sit down,” snapped the professor. “I’m sure these liberated ladies can stand for a few more minutes. Do you and these other gentlemen always wear your hats indoors?” I felt a flush creeping slowly up my neck, and as I whipped my cap from my head, I saw stealthy movements as others quickly removed theirs. During the rest of the class, I hid my embarrassment by pretending to read the syllabus and take notes.