There are many evidences of care and concern exhibited daily on the campus of Florida Hospital College. Many times, small acts of kindness go unobserved. However, when an entire class is involved in an act of thoughtfulness—there are those that do take notice! The following experience was related through the Academic Advisor’s office and tells of one such story.

At the end of the semester, a professor stopped by my office distraught, something unsettling was underway.

“One of my students did not show up for the final exam today.” The professor explained. “The other students in the class told me that she was not coming and that she wanted us to take the exam without her. Could you come and help me?”

“Sure,” I said, “But I don’t see what the problem is.”

“Well,” the professor went on, “The students refuse to take the final exam without her. They asked me to delay the test and go find her.” “What time does the exam begin?” I asked. “Five minutes ago,” she answered. “What would you like me to do?” I inquired. “Please come with me to find the student. Her fellow classmates told me where she is.” The professor led me to the student.

Since I had already established a relationship with the student, I approached her and said, “Belinda (not her real name), the students in your class have missed you and they refuse to take their final exam without you.” Belinda looked at me and began to cry, “I did not think anyone would miss me.” The professor and I walked Belinda to the classroom. As we walked, she kept repeating, “I did not think anyone would miss me.” The professor replied, “How could we not miss you?”

When we entered the classroom, her classmates clapped and cheered. One of the students exclaimed, “Belinda, we are so happy you came! You have worked too hard this semester to not receive credit for what you have done.”

I left the classroom with tears in my eyes. These students and their professor exhibited nurture at its best! Their care and concern for a fellow classmate reminded me of I Corinthians 13:13.