On Rapport

I credit my love of Shakespeare to Dr. Keenan, who taught, among other things, a 400-level Shakespeare course I took as an undergraduate. Dr. Keenan is in stark contrast with Ms. Berk—not only did Dr. Keenan undo Shakespeare's stigma, but she also had a rapport with her students like few instructors I've ever met.

There was one student in particular with whom Dr. Keenan had a close relationship. Mike had excelled in two other classes with her before enrolling in our Shakespeare course, so she teased him mercilessly in her English accent.

One day when we were taking a quiz, Mike sneezed. We went on working, but Dr. Keenan said, "Mike, that's the most intelligent thing you've said all semester."

At the time, I thought it was funny. But since I began teaching, I've looked back on this scene many times and envied Dr. Keenan's relationship with that student. Taken out of context, her comment could be downright mean—but it wasn't. Those few words carried the weight of appreciation for being her student for so many semesters. They carried the weight of love. Because those with the passion to teach not only love the subject matter, but they also love those with whom they share it.