Finding dependable childcare can be a significant hurdle for many parents, and sometimes, even the most reliable arrangements can fall through unexpectedly. When 21-year-old single mother Emma Thompson, a student at the University of Tennessee, had to miss a class due to a lack of childcare, she reached out to her professor via email to explain her situation. What she received in response was beyond her expectations.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, her professor, not only provided Emma with the necessary instructions to catch up on missed coursework but also offered a warm invitation for her daughter to accompany her to class at any time. “If you ever find yourself in need of childcare, please feel free to BRING your daughter to class,” Dr. Mitchell wrote. “I’d be more than happy to hold her during the lecture so that you can stay focused and take notes. Given that I teach in the Department of CHILD and FAMILY Studies, it only makes sense to welcome a child into our classroom environment!”
Dr. Mitchell reiterated her sincerity, stating, “I genuinely mean it. Let me know how else I can support you.” Emma expressed her surprise at the professor’s kind words, telling local news outlet WBIR-TV, “I sent an apology email for missing class, and I was completely overwhelmed by her response.” Emma was so touched by the gesture that she shared the email on Twitter, where it quickly gained traction, amassing over 26,000 likes and nearly 5,000 retweets.
“I literally started crying because this level of understanding from a teacher is so rare nowadays,” Emma noted. “The fact that she was willing to accommodate me and even excused my missed quiz showed that she genuinely cared about more than just my attendance.”
Though examples like Dr. Mitchell’s are uncommon, she’s not alone in her child-friendly approach. Last fall, a math professor at Lander University in South Carolina became an internet sensation for encouraging her student to bring her baby to class and even cradling the child while teaching. In 2016, a video of a Baylor professor soothing a crying baby during a 55-minute lecture also went viral, demonstrating a growing trend of educators prioritizing empathy and support for student parents.
Dr. Mitchell expressed her surprise at her newfound internet fame, emphasizing that inviting Emma’s daughter to class was simply the right thing to do. “I really don’t think I did anything extraordinary, which just reflects the kind of person I am,” she stated. Emma shared her gratitude, knowing that she has the option to bring her daughter to class in the future if the need arises. As a student aspiring to become a recreational therapist for children with disabilities, Emma juggles her studies with her job at a restaurant, stating, “I’m pursuing this degree not just for myself, but for my daughter. It means a lot to have the support of others.”
This heartwarming story resonates in today’s world, where simple acts of kindness are desperately sought after. In times marked by judgment and scrutiny, it’s heartening to see compassion celebrated. Dr. Mitchell, who has her own experiences with childcare struggles, shared her journey: “When I had my oldest son ten years ago, I was encouraged to bring him to class during my final semester of graduate studies. We all face challenges, and it’s essential to have support around us. No one should navigate this journey alone.”
If you’re interested in exploring family-friendly resources or learning more about home insemination options, check out this at-home insemination kit for helpful insights. Additionally, for further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit WebMD for an excellent resource.
In summary, Dr. Mitchell’s compassionate response to Emma’s situation highlights the importance of understanding and support in education, especially for student parents. Her actions not only made a difference in Emma’s life but also serve as a reminder that kindness can have a profound impact on others.