Attending college or University can be challenging in its own right. The quantity of homework, the near-heart stopping levels of reading, or even just trying to navigate a large rambling campus can induce stress amongst even seasoned students. So add to this something as complicated as living with a tiny leaky human with serious needs and you don't exactly come up with an Easy A. This is why when we hear about educators who understand the challenges students with children face — and step up to HELP those students — we respond so positively.
Last week, Texas college student, marine, and mom Katy Humphrey had an "oh sh*t" moment when her child care plans fell through and she was due in class. Katy is a student at Baylor University in Texas, where she is working towards her degree in exercise physiology. Not wanting to miss the class, she made the call to take her 4 1/2 month old daughter along and just, well, hope for the best.
Anyone who has ever cared for a 4 1/2 month old infant knows that "the best" can range from a blissful 4 hour angelic naps to police shouting "OPEN THIS DOOR! We've been called to investigate a noise complaint and also why does it smell like a cabbage factory in here?" It's a crapshoot, is what I'm saying because babies DO NOT CURR if you have plans.
So, when baby Millie fussed, Katy understandably tried her best to ease any distruption. That's when her professor, Dr. Darryn Willoughby stepped up and stepped in:
In many regards it's easier for the Professor to help a fussy baby than the parent when it comes to lecture time; the student needs to remain in seat to take notes or read assignments, whereas the Professor has more freedom in movement — something fussing babies often crave. For Dr. Willoughby to help Katy and baby Millie shows true dedication to his students, because avoiding the distraction allowed everyone to have a good classroom experience. Willoughby told TODAY "I didn't do it for myself. It's just about me looking out for and taking care of my students." He added, "It was an issue more so just her being able to feel more comfortable and relaxed in class," he said.
You just passed the "humanity" component of this course with flying colours, Professor.
Image Source: KWTX.com
RELATED: Single Dad Enrolls in College; Takes Son Along
Printer-friendly version