Not My Usual Monday Sickness

The jeepney was running very slow for someone in rush. The driver seemed [to me] greedy enough that he was stopping at every street corner and hoping that passersby and waiting-shed tambays would add up coins to his belt bag. But I could not blame the mid-40 guy. He was working; but I was rushing late for school. My bad.

I glanced at my favorite over-sized wristwatch. (I'm fond of watches, by the way.) It was 8:40 AM and I was only halfway. I let out a few deep breaths, made not more than five annoying tsk sounds and took a quick look at my watch again. This time, it was not for my delight in the watch. I was bothered, not because my slipping into the middle of the class would bring me shame and reproach; my classmates were used to my conduct; but because I know I would definitely miss a lot from this Professor. And I would start hating myself for that.

Finally, the manong driver made it to my personal finish line. I jumped off the jeepney and motioned towards the CLSU second gate--running fast and not caring about my untouched wet hair. I already missed a few minutes. All I could do at the moment was to possibly lessen the lost time. Alas! I reached Room 202.

I sneaked into the room. The Professor seemed to be in a good mood. (Bless me!) Not so soon after I took my favorite front seat, he sounded just about to start the lesson. (Is this my lucky day?) I sighed for relief.

The class ended like how it normally did, except for one thing. My close friend told me that the Professor talked about me during the class. And it was a positive note. Honestly, I felt happy. Having been noticed by this Professor is such an accomplishment. One thing struck me, though. Would have it been better if I wasn't tardy and heard everything he said? Perhaps, I could have embraced the feeling of the appreciation more. Or maybe, I could have had the guts to respond accordingly; or better yet, took the words seriously instead of a compliment. That way, my attitude towards study and school might have changed. I could have been a better person.

However, that was not how it would happen. For without that usual Monday sickness, I will not be writing this piece... because the Professor was never used to give kind words right in front of the person. Not that he did not want the person to know. Come on. He is more intelligent than that. He always knows that the person's friends would definitely squeal it, like how my friend did. So yes, while I wasn't there was the time he let the words come out. And the cue to stop was exactly my first step inside the classroom.

This Professor is never ungenerous in giving compliments; he is just always in perfect timing. Right after squeezing the best out of his students was the indicator of giving commendations. I guess he just doesn't want his students to feel satisfied with their performance which may make them stop desiring to achieve more... Because without that Monday sickness and if I heard everything, I could have been content with what I was doing (which was not my best), and I might have been less of a person than I am right now.

Ah, the only Monday sickness I never regretted having. Thank you, Professor. ♥

The Professor. Professor Ben G. Domingo as a 'ninong' during the wedding
of one of his students. If you are his student, expect not only an academic help.
He's an all-around professor!