The Lawyer, the Doctor and the Teacher

Ok. SO stop me if you have heard this one. A guy walks into a bar and asks the lawyer a question regarding law. The lawyer responds, "I'll send you my bill." The guy turns to the doctor and asks the doctor a medical question. The doctor responds, "I don't do curbside. Schedule an appointment." Then the guy turns to the teacher and asks the teacher a question regarding an elementary problem that had plagued and perplexed him since he was a boy. The teacher responded with a plethora of information that captured the attention of the entire bar. The lawyer and doctor both left in their expensive automobiles infuriated that their time had been somehow violated.



I know a few lawyers and doctors and I must say that they are nothing like the joke. I do not want to depict them in a negative light; however, as in any profession there are behaviorally and socially inept individuals that cast a negative overtone to our otherwise Samaritan existence.



Pay it forward



I am in a profession that involves dealing with the innate fear of being attacked. How many of us are afraid of getting robbed, raped, murdered, mugged, assaulted, etc. ? Oh.. OK.. How many of us are afraid of getting sued or sick? I have been cornered and curbsided at parties, holiday gatherings, church functions. You name it. People have questions. If I cannot answer those questions, I simply refer them to other sources. I love my job and I am happy to expose others to my share in my enthusiasm. Who was it that said "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Oh. . That's right. My best student, Ralph. Oh Mr. Waldo. The great Mr. Emerson. He makes it big and forgets the little guy.. I am still waiting for his phone call. Maybe he is too busy. Perhaps too many people are taking advantage of his euphemisms and cliches. Perhaps he has gone to the dark side. Cynical attitudes have been the death of many a good altruist. Why can't we all just get along!

My point is that we teach children to share. Don't be selfish! Go help your brother/sister with their homework, but when you grow up you can be selfish. If time is money then I recommend that you spend more time at your job! I understand that personal time is personal time; however, the contradiction and/or hypocrisy is magnified when the professional does not walk the walk in the eyes of their children. And aren't we all children at heart.

My Advice is, and I quote from page 18 from the Teacher's handbook, to give the question some direction with enthusiasm and professionalism. The questioner, albeit might want more, will be happy. Know when to say no and be wary of the objectionable questioner! This individual might just like to talk the talk. How will you know the difference? Only the man on the mountain can tell you what you seek. Until next time... Let experience be your guide.