I'll not get too specific, so no identities will be exposed, but I suffered a jolt reading the news tonight. A fairly hideous crime involving multiple suspects occurred relatively nearby, so I was reading up on the case. To my dismay, I recognized a suspect as a former student. A student I tried to help in the only way I could offer at the time.

The student never asked for more assistance, and who can predict the future, right? So why do I feel so guilty? I mean, I can understand feeling bad, but guilty? I offered academic assistance and willingness to talk more, but the student never sought me out again, except to send the following email:

mainly i just wanted to thank you for being such an amazing teacher. it's such a privelege to be taught by someone who takes joy in what they do. i know i was a poor student this semester, which makes it even harder to tell you that you've been one of the most inspiring teachers i've ever had. thank you for caring.

Crap.