As a single mom, one of the challenges I face is getting a babysitter sometimes for my son, Sam. School resumed last week and I have one seated class on Tuesdays and Thursdays – Women in Global Perspective. Meanwhile, my son’s school has until tomorrow, a day after Labor Day, to resume. One of my friends, Angela has been helping to babysit him; however, she was busy last Tuesday and Thursday, plus, my schedule for both days were crazy that I could not have taken him to her for help anyway.
So, I decided to go to class with him. I was not just going to go in with a kid and never cared if my professor was okay with it – I was really hoping that the professor will have no problem with it. My heart skipped a little. When we arrived at the campus, I was searching for the classroom but ended in a wrong room that has the same room number. It was a staff’s office. One of the ladies in the room offered to help. She asked “are you looking for something? Can we help you?” It was almost 10 minutes to 11:00 Am when class starts. I replied, somewhat confused, “yes,” then I told her the room number. She said “it’s not here but I can help you find the room. It is over by Nursing and Business.” She turned to Sam and said “are you going to Kindergarten or First Grade?” Sam was shy to respond, so I cooed him to reply. He said: “First Grade.”
The lady turned to me and said, “we don’t want you to be late for class, so we better get there fast.” She continued, “I know the kids are yet to resume.” And, I said, “yes, they don’t resume until next week. I hope it is okay to have him in class.” She replied, “he should be fine.” At this time we were already at the crowded Nursing Department and she pointed the corridor where the class is situated to me. I thanked her and went to look for the room number.
For a few minutes, I was greeting almost every student that entered the class while standing at the door with Sam, especially those who dressed formally and almost looked like an instructor. After a while, I decided to reserve a spot at the back, as I noticed the class is a large one and the seats were filling up quickly. I had my laptop and had Sam watch Netflix with headphones.
Dr. Zara, she likes to be called by her name, entered the class at 11:01 AM and greeted. I gave her few minutes to settle and rushed to the front, as if I was going to report myself for committing a crime, and told her that I had a child with me. Her response was warm and kind; using her hands as she talked, she said”don’t worry about it” with a nod, she added, “you can bring him any time.” I heaved a sigh. I thanked God in my mind and went back to my seat. Before the end of class, she told us that we will be having permanent seat in class until the end of the semester. “This will help me to know you by name,” she explained. She even came to speak with Sam at the back. She wanted to meet him. Another classmate who said she has an older son commended Sam for being a good boy during class. She said “you can’t even tell there was a kid in the class.” Turning to me she said,’ I always like to commend when a child is well behaved. It shows the parents is doing a good job.” I responded, “thank you.” and was grateful for the nice comment.
On our return by Thursday, the professor already had seating sheet. She invited everybody to the front to write down his or her name. Then she beckoned me to bring Sam to the front to write his name on the seating sheet. So, Sam entered a college classroom seating. He starts school tomorrow but will be going to class with me whenever his school was closed.
Do you have any interesting story with your kids? Please share it right here. I will love to hear it.
Thanks for reading. Until next time.
