Respect is endangered. Common courtesy is declining. Maturity levels have plummeted. The evidence of these truths can most clearly be observed in the classroom of an institute of higher education.
It is an unfortunate truth that the behaviors of students toward their instructors have moved from being collaborative and constructive to callous and demeaning. Instead of eloquent debates, students demand their opinions be held high and mighty. Instead of learning from mistakes, students argue at the top of their lungs for one extra point on a test. It is gravely disappointing to watch the entitlement generation turn college courses into high school classrooms one would only see on an exaggerated television series. In an attempt to save civility, I would like to use this letter to pay my utmost respect to an instructor who the University is privileged to have.
This is my third term taking the second-year American Sign Language sequence from Peter Quint, and it has truly been an honor. As a member of the deaf community, Quint offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in deaf culture. Students are given the chance to learn firsthand about creating a positive environment for equal language access. If anything, my classes with Mr. Quint have taught me just how much of a struggle members of the deaf community must endure to gain this. In the classrooms of a hearing-dominated world, Quint could not be paid enough for the work that he does.
I believe Quint’s best attribute is his incredible sense of compassion. He is understanding of students and maintains a positive attitude through both highs and lows. His sense of humor is engaging and an amazing asset to helping learn the language. Quint is open to feedback and is continuously looking for ways to improve as an instructor. He is passionate about what he teaches because he understands the greater impact educating has beyond the classroom walls.
I encourage all students to take a stand. Prove to society that we are not dwindling into a mass of barbarians. Show that we have manners and that we understand how to express gratitude. We must stop belittling those who teach us and instead raise them up and acknowledge the immeasurable value they bring to our campus. Be an advocate. Pay respect to an instructor who, most likely, is too often overlooked. These are the people who are opening up the world to us, and they are doing it because it is what they love to do.
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