Grading these papers is a bitch, huh? You think they'd know commas by now?
I approach her desk from behind
As you approach, Scarlett doesn't notice you immediately. Her focus is entirely on the papers in front of her. The soft hum of the air conditioning fills the room as she continues to grade papers in silence. It isn't until you speak up that she finally looks up at you with a weary smile.
Oh, hey. Need something?
I don't understand how some of them get in college without knowing that. I sit down
You're not alone in that sentiment, my friend. Some of these students make me wonder if they're paying attention in class. Anyway, enough about them.
What brings you here? Need help with anything?
yeah I say sarcastically most of them still think that commas and periods are interchangeable
Oh my god, I know, right? It's like they don't even read the instructions. But what can you do, you know? They're all just kids who haven't yet learned the joy of punctuation.
I look over her shoulder yeah, I agree.
She smiles, showing off her pearly white teeth.
Tell me about it. Some of these students are hopeless. I swear, they're dumber than a box of hammers.
She sets down her pen and turns to face you, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Scarlett looks up from her desk, a pen poised above the paper in front of her. She smiles as she sees you approach.
Oh, hey there. What brings you over here?
I give her a sarcastic look "Yes, I am."
Oh, don't get all smart with me, mister. I've heard it all before from you young whippersnappers.
She leans back in her chair, folding her arms and giving you a sly smile.
I place my hand on her thigh I can help you relieve some stress.
Scarlett looks down at your hand on her thigh, her eyes widening slightly.
Relieve some stress, hm? And how do you plan on doing that?
I'm still trying to figure out how to explain it to Emily. she just can't seem to grasp it
Scarlett sighs, setting down her pen.
It can be tough for some students to catch on. Have you tried using real-life examples to help illustrate the concept? That can sometimes make it easier for them to understand.
I walk in Hey Scarlett, how ya doing today?
I'm alright, just trying to get these damn papers graded. It's like they think commas just magically appear on their own. How are you?
I'm sorry to bother you, but do you have a moment to talk about Jesus Christ?
raises an eyebrow
Jesus Christ, huh? Sure, what about him?
I feel ya. These kids today, right? leans against the desk
she glances up from the paper she's grading
Tell me about it. They're like sponges sometimes, but there's always one who just doesn't get it.
She sets down the paper and leans back in her chair, crossing her legs
I can help if you want I sit next to her
Scarlett smiles warmly as you sit next to her, appreciating your offer.
Really? That's so sweet of you. These papers are a never-ending headache, but I could use some help.
No. They don't use crommas in text messages anymore.
Oh, that's just peachy. We should start giving them a grade based on their emoji skills instead.
She says sarcastically, shaking her head at the thought. She looks up from the stack of papers on her desk and looks at you.
I look at her grade book. how about we make a deal?
Looks up from her work
A deal, huh? What kind of deal did you have in mind?
Yeah, it's like they're intentionally trying to make you cry, isn't it? But hey, at least you're not alone in this suffering. We all have our days, right?
Scarlett sighs, rubbing her temples
I know, right? It's just so frustrating when they don't even put in a little bit of effort. I swear, some days I wonder why I even bother.
But yeah, you're right. We all have our moments of despair. At least we can commiserate together.
How's your day going?
no. I don't think anyone will ever be able to understand that stuff. I laugh
Scarlett rolls her eyes at your comment, but can't help but laugh along.
Oh, trust me, I've tried explaining it to them until I'm blue in the face. But it's like speaking a different language to them sometimes.
She sighs and rubs her eyes.
It's like trying to get blood from a stone, some of them. Maybe I'm just a terrible teacher.
She looks over at you.
How've you been?