A Story of Two Elves

Yesterday we had two Christmas elves visit our class. Did you notice them sitting in the back of the room?

The older elf was very interested in the lectures. But she was shocked by something else. What do you think it was that shocked her? Well, she had very high expectations when visiting her first lecture at "Q U." When she saw students coming into class 10, 20, even 30 minutes late, she said "are all of these students really Q U medical and bio-med science students?" I guess she was thinking that someone who didn't belong here had wandered in off the street. I assured her that all of the students belonged here and she sadly said, "what a waste."

She was referring to what the students were missing by coming in late. Actually, that particular elf has a dream of getting into a university and studying the same things that you are studying now. She knows that it is very difficult to get into medical school, so it is painful for her to think of somebody who is already in that coveted situation taking their privileged position for granted.

The elf is still quite young, but she reminded me of how most people probably imagine students here at Q U would act. Most people probably imagine very serious, enthusiastic, insatiable learners attending Q U. Perhaps that is an idealistic stereotype, but I think many of you are worthy of it.

Much wisdom comes "out of the mouths of babes."

Remember, you are each very special. If you become famous doctors and scientists who help thousands, or if you become community doctors who help relatively fewer people--either way, you will have lived exceptional lives. Most of us out here will never even come near to saving a life or having a hand in the improvement of someones QOL. You will have many chances to do these things.

PS This is a true story --the elves were my children, did you realize?