AN OPEN LETTER TO MY INSOLENT CLASSMATES

In recent days I have become increasingly annoyed by you. I have always been very slow to judge people, and have always thought all people will impress me given enough time. However, I'm beginning to think that it is time to cut my losses and accept fact: you may make up a minority of people who refuse to remove your ass-hats and be somewhat reasonable.

Respect is a two way street. If you would quit being so obtuse and realized that you need to give a little to get a little, life might be a little better for you. At least your peers would really appreciate you for it (we may even begin to respect you). To get you started let me just point out a few things:

• Don't interrupt anybody (especially when the interruptee is answering your question)
• Only schmucks ask questions that have already been answered
• Please save questions for the end means shut up and don't ask questions until the end

It may not be obvious to you that these three little things are really just one (listening). Respect and listening are very closely related. Your lack of understanding how this whole deal works has really given others (those who do understand) a reason to wish for your misfortune (and possibly demise). (Academic misfortune and academic demise, of course.)

Finally, you may (or may not) understand that you enjoy association with professional people. People undeserving of your poisonous reputation. We all pay the same tuition as you do. Most of us would like to make it through school with a little resistance as possible and get a job. A job that will pay well enough to pay back all the money we have borrowed to get there. If that doesn't sound like you please keep to yourself -- you do not represent us!

Please, don't completely ruin my faith in you, impress me.

P.S. If you don't understand what I'm talking about, it is time for you to start looking around, listening, and apologizing.