I just saw a quote by Annette Breaux that beautifully states what all teachers, professors and student life staff know or can benefit from knowing: "Remember, everyone in the classroom has a story that leads to misbehavior or defiance. 9 times out of 10, the story behind the behavior won't make you angry.  It will break your heart."   I'd change the word "classroom" to the word "campus"  or "school" --- and that expands the quote meaningfully and importantly.  I was recently on a panel where I suggested that we offer support to new minority faculty.  Another panelist said: why is that needed?  They can do it on their own.  I said: not everyone can or should be forced to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.  What is wrong with helping others, even without their asking?  Let's be clear and candid: We all need help in one way or another. And, many of the rules of the game of the academy are not so clear and are not spelled out as another panelist pointed out so aptly.   And, if we can enable success, does it really matter as educators how we do it?  As long as success is there (real success), is there some reason we think those who don't ask for or get help are better?  Moral superiority for being able to work alone?  Please. …see more