Yesterday, I was working fervently on my computer while seated at the SGU student area. I saw a group of young male doctoral candidates, studying as they were eating. They were a very good-looking group of smart gents, who appeared to have few troubles being sociable.
A socially awkward, young male student asked to join them. Being a geek to the core myself, I had my dukes up, ready to say something if these “cool guys” gave the kid trouble. But I was quickly put in my place.
The boys never hesitated to say yes. For the next two hours, I heard them discuss anatomy, so I couldn’t help but eavesdrop. They ate and chatted about head and neck structures, like ethmoid air cells and pharyngeal arches.
Now, one might assume these popular young men would have discouraged this young man to join them. But I will repeat – they never hesitated to say yes. They ate and studied, never wavering in making their discussions fun yet productive.
I heard the group leader tell his comrades they should head back to the dorms to study, and the socially awkward male said this:
“Is it okay if I come back with you guys? I like talking to you.”
Group leader responded, “Of course, man. We like talking to you, too.”
I cried. I was moved. I was so proud these are our future doctors. Maybe the death of the bully-tude is happening. Maybe we can just find our common ground and roll with it. Yesterday, it was anatomy and medicine for those young men. To me, it seemed like a huge leap for mankind.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley