—a story of hardship overcome, like maybe they have been homeless and finally found stability. Or maybe they finally became medicated for an issue or (!!!) got glasses or a hearing aid. Or maybe you might recieve the gift of learning a new method that might help other students.

If they did cheat, of course, they’ll have to stand there and deal with the emotional devastation of a teacher coming to them with love and hope, excited for them while standing in their lies But even then, maybe that encouragement is what they need to try for real next time.

Even if they broke down and admitted they cheated, at the core of that decision is a desperate fear of failure. There is always the option to do nothing and get a D, but they were moved to act, even if it was to pretend and be dishonest. I’m too tender to teach, i think.

@KaylaAncrum I think this is a college student not a child

@hillmont_drive I was 19 finishing my sophomore year of university. I think extending this kind of grace to people who are still teenagers is important and generous. I’m 32 now, 17-21 year olds still seem like kids deserving of protection and consideration to me.

@KaylaAncrum It’s in the professors subreddit so this is a college or grad student, though, not a child.