There always seems to be a pecking order – a way to inflate our own egos while diminishing others, even those deserving of our respect.  In college, a popular saying was, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.”

What an awful sentiment. Perhaps it came after a tough test, a confusing lesson, or when we felt a paper was unfairly graded. Maybe it was (supposedly) aimed at professors who didn’t meet our expectations. Regardless, it never felt fair to me.

Three professors changed my perspective on this entirely.

Two of them had come from Bell Labs – legends in the field. Bell Labs was renowned for groundbreaking innovation, and these professors had been part of that legacy! They brought cutting-edge research to our university, creating new courses and research opportunities that expanded what we thought was possible.

The third professor was one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. His tests weren’t just exams – they were projects. They required us to apply what we learned in class, no tricks, just pure application. They were demanding. On the first test, the first student didn’t leave until 3½ hours in (I still don’t know if they finished or gave up). This professor knew how much effort it took. He brought donuts and pretzels to help us through the grueling process. When I turned in my test, he told me to take some snacks for my friends – Dan, Paul, and Joe. Not only did he know my name, but he also knew who my friends were.

These were our professors. Despite their varied ages and backgrounds, most had led exemplary careers. They knew their subjects inside and out. As we struggled to grasp abstract concepts, they found ways to bridge the gap, to make those ideas click for us.

At the time, we (the students) lacked perspective. We didn’t know the life choices that brought them to teaching. Yet there they were, showing up to train the next generation. They endured our arrogance, our judgments, and our immaturity.

Why they chose to teach didn’t matter. What mattered was the immense service they provided to us and our future.

With time, perspective sets in. I’ve grown to appreciate the roles everyone plays. Sometimes we are teachers. Sometimes we are creators. And sometimes, we’re just trying to get through the day.