The one who showed up late on the first day and said, “Get used to it.”

THE ONE WHO SHOWED UP LATE ON THE FIRST DAY AND SAID, “GET USED TO IT.”

Follow for more real-talk reflections on our shared experiences.

We all remember that first day. Bright-eyed, syllabi clutched, punctually there. The air pulsed with anticipation and intellectual promise. Every minute ticked by. Where was the professor? Punctuality felt like a sacred creed in our halls.

Then they strolled in. No apology, no explanation. Just a casual glance, a nod, and that infamous, almost dismissive, “Get used to it.” Silence was deafening. Was this a test? A deliberate challenge to our cultivated decorum? Our pristine image of academic life just cracked. We were ready for profound insights, not a lesson in casual disregard.

Yet, as the semester progressed, that blunt remark transformed. It wasn't just about tardiness; it was about embracing unpredictability, understanding that true brilliance often thrives beyond rigid schedules. This professor, the oddball who shattered our first-day notions, became the one who truly taught us about intellectual freedom and the messy beauty of real-world application. They were an icon, an oddball, and a life lesson, all rolled into one unforgettable "Professor Moment."

These shared encounters shape our narrative as much as any textbook. What was your most memorable first-day impression?