Why do students stretch the truth so often?
Last Friday, most of the guys ditched class because the Detroit Pistons cheerleaders were doing a photo and signing event at a nearby Walmart (don’t judge; I think it was a pretty valid reason!).
I know for a fact that I spent the whole class period at Walmart.
When I came back today, the teacher was expressing her frustration, saying, “I can’t believe you all!” She claimed that the guys in the class were rude and disrespectful. Interestingly, even the five students who didn’t attend the signing said nothing noteworthy happened there—they just ended up scrolling on their phones.
So how exactly were we being rude and disrespectful when we weren’t even in class to begin with?
It sounds like a frustrating situation! It’s tough when teachers assume the worst about students without knowing the full story. Skipping class for something you enjoy, like meeting cheerleaders, can be a fun experience, but I can see why the teacher might feel disrespected if a lot of students weren’t present.
Maybe the teacher was disappointed not just because you guys skipped, but also because of what that represents in terms of commitment to the class. It might help to have a conversation with her and explain your side of things—letting her know that not everyone was being rude or disrespectful. Open communication could clear up any misunderstandings and help bridge the gap between students and teachers. Plus, it might show her that you care about the class, even when you choose to have some fun outside of it!