I teach a dual-enrollment class in the middle of the day. Seniors that come and go during the day.
One of my quietest, sweetest, best young men came in late today. I did not really think too much about it. Gonna live to regret not looking real soon though. I am up trying to answer questions and explain a concept to the other 15 seniors in the room.
I see M’s hand go in the air. Without pausing I motion him to ask his question.
M: “Ms. B? Is it okay if I drop my pants?”
I pause (I bet my face was a study in confusion, painted in shades of consternation) I think everyone in the room inhaled at once. I am frozen in place.
Me: “Um… What?”
M: “Is it okay if I drop my pants?” Good Lord, that is what he said.
Me: “Uh” (entire room: uh?)
M: “I have on athletic shorts. I need to ice my knee.”
Me: “I believe I would have led with that Mac. You should have started the conversation with that. Yes.”
That just happened…