Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
541
Math Professor Helps Student Despite Them Failing Her Class For Being Constantly High Or Drunk, And Their E-Mails Go Viral
Substance abuse is dangerous. It creeps on you, tries to become your friend, but can destroy your life if you let it.
Of course, it’s hard to fully comprehend the negative side of drinking and getting high if you haven’t experienced it firsthand. That’s why personal stories about wrecked careers and ruined families are so important. They put things into perspective.
This confession is one of those stories. A young person who learned about the dangers of addiction the hard way has agreed to talk about their struggles with Bored Panda, and hopefully, their experience will prevent at least one of us spiraling down the same shaft.
“Drugs and alcohol became an unhealthy coping mechanism,” the student who wanted to remain anonymous said. “I drank to become comfortably numb and deal with negative emotions. It got to a point where it was just continuous.”
Failing their math class was one of the warning signs. “I started going to AA meetings (I didn’t think I was ‘hardcore’ enough for NA since I only used marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol). I got a sponsor, and started working the steps.”
When they decided to rebuild their life, they knew honesty was the main material. The one that holds everything together. So, instead of making excuses, they told the truth, which really resonated with the professor who failed them.
“Dr. S. is very warm and charming. She seems to genuinely care about her students and makes herself available outside of class to help students that are having trouble,” the student said. “She started a ‘Math Appreciation Society’ and often buys food for students with her own money. She sees it as her moral duty to help people.”
Below is their inspiring story, which shows just how far people can go when they talk to each other. When you finish scrolling through it, consider firing up Bored Panda‘s earlier posts 24 Stunning Before & After Transformations Of People Who Quit Drugs and 59 Before & After Pics That Show What Happens When You Stop Drinking.
I remembered Dr. S. said that if anyone failed Math 25, she would work with them for the rest of the semester. I went back to school after missing two weeks, asked if the offer still stood, and got to work immediately. I had a complete meltdown and ugly-cried in front of her because I was so tired and frustrated. Turns out withdrawal is no fun, and I was angry at myself because I felt years of alcohol and drug abuse had made me… dumb. I used to love math and I was good at it. Now I was struggling with things that should have been easy for me.
I felt I owed her an explanation after the ugly crying incident and wanted to give her an “out”. I knew I had earned my failing grade and didn’t deserve help.
Dr. S. has been super kind and supportive. I met with her every day for the rest of the semester and did all of the exams over again. My withdrawal symptoms were relatively mild. My hands were a little shaky, I couldn’t sleep, and I couldn’t eat much of anything. Thankfully, they didn’t last too long and with Dr. S.’s help, I was able to get a lot done over the last month.
I took the final this morning and scored a 98. Now I’ve gone from an F to a B. This e-mail hit me in the feels and made me cry tears of joy. I got a B?!?!?! Thank you, Dr. S., for being so incredibly kind and patient with me.
RELATED:
People had a lot to say about the recovery
What do you think ?
Parmeisan 4 years ago
This is a nice story, but I feel for the student she dismissed their family funeral as "a lame excuse". Is there some reason she thinks it's a lie? Because if not, I can't understand why that student doesn't deserve just as much compassion as the one struggling with substance abuse issues. A death in the family should always have higher priority than a quiz at school. I've been in that situation. You should drop everything and deal with the fallout later, because you need to be there for everyone who's still alive.
Carol Emory 4 years ago
It depends on how many excuses this student has already given. When my father had a stroke, I went to my professors to let them know that my priority, at the moment, was to make sure my sister (my father's caretaker) was ok and that my father was pulling through. They worked with me on deadlines and quizzes to make sure I was able to keep my grade up. Several months after the stroke, my father passed away. My professors allowed me personal time to help my sister with planning the final arrangements. I am now on my last semester of classes with a current 4.0 GPA. My professors were willing to work with me because I busted my butt the rest of the time I was there. They knew I wouldn't use excuses just to slack off. Maybe this "funeral" student used a different excuse each time a quiz came up to buy more study time for the exams. It's not uncommon. I find honesty and a good track record usually helps professors determine the lame excuses from the legitimate ones.
Load More Replies...
WillemPenn 4 years ago
I know a lot of judges. You might want to find another way to express your sobriety. :-D tenor.gif 
Parmeisan 4 years ago
This is a nice story, but I feel for the student she dismissed their family funeral as "a lame excuse". Is there some reason she thinks it's a lie? Because if not, I can't understand why that student doesn't deserve just as much compassion as the one struggling with substance abuse issues. A death in the family should always have higher priority than a quiz at school. I've been in that situation. You should drop everything and deal with the fallout later, because you need to be there for everyone who's still alive.
Carol Emory 4 years ago
It depends on how many excuses this student has already given. When my father had a stroke, I went to my professors to let them know that my priority, at the moment, was to make sure my sister (my father's caretaker) was ok and that my father was pulling through. They worked with me on deadlines and quizzes to make sure I was able to keep my grade up. Several months after the stroke, my father passed away. My professors allowed me personal time to help my sister with planning the final arrangements. I am now on my last semester of classes with a current 4.0 GPA. My professors were willing to work with me because I busted my butt the rest of the time I was there. They knew I wouldn't use excuses just to slack off. Maybe this "funeral" student used a different excuse each time a quiz came up to buy more study time for the exams. It's not uncommon. I find honesty and a good track record usually helps professors determine the lame excuses from the legitimate ones.
Load More Replies... WillemPenn 4 years ago
I know a lot of judges. You might want to find another way to express your sobriety. :-D tenor.gif
Related on Bored Panda
180
21