DEFENDING A PEOPLE: ADDICTED TO SUFFERING (1) by Miriam Yakubu
Many years ago, I wanted to be a nurse but requirement was to be a certified nursing aide with 3 months experience in hospital environment. So I register for a 2 weeks nursing aide classes. I was new in town, don't know my way around and don't know a whole bunch of stuff. I was late on my first day to class, because I mistakenly dropped two busstop short. And instead of taking the next bus with my day pass, I walked it. Into a class already in session, I walked in front of the whole class, towards the teacher who was seated facing the door. I stood blocking the projector ray, and said "good morning Mrs. Givens." "Please call me Tina, get a seat and good morning" she gnarled, as she motioned towards empty seats at the back, and turned her face swiftly back to her slides. MY THINKING: Instead of walking quietly to a seat, I wanted to greet my teacher; good morning, explain why I was late, and apologise. And probably wait for her to decide whether to...