My first night of teaching
post secondary education
medical billing program
Two year a.s. degree

there was so much
I still didn’t know.
It was during my
introduction lecture
Going over the fine points,

A student raised your hand.
she asked, “isn’t it break time”?
Not knowing when Break time was
I was in a quandary

I didn’t want the Students
to know I was an ignorant
new teacher. I called on my inner
confidence then gave a short
extemporaneous speech;

“OK class let’s make sure
we’re all on the same page
can anyone tell me
when is Break time ?”
all the hands go up

Susie beamed
with the knowledge,
She would be answering
the first of what would be
many questions in
our time together.

With conviction she blurts out
From 7 PM to 7:15 PM  I looked around
the room and said“Does everybody agree? The class looked a little puzzled then, nodding in unison  I said OK I just wanted be on the same page. So no one should be late . let’s take a 15 minute break and everybody should be back here at 7:15 PM.

The next morning
in the teachers lounge,
I told my first day story
(Death by fire)

The teachers had a good chuckle
They were impressed with my impromptu
Handling of the situation without
The students becoming aware

I flashed my smile and said
Sometimes you have to
fake it until you make it
The teachers laughed.
We’ve all been there.


Inspired song
1) Another brick in the wall,
part two with lyrics
By the  Pink Floyd