Recently I had a student who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the third week of class. I was heartbroken for them. I pondered what I would do in that situation and imagined I would quit school and focus on my illness and family.

But this student did not quit. They decided that if they had four years, they were going to get their degree in three years. Giving up was not an option for them.

The doctors recommended starting treatment immediately. The chemotherapy made this student so sick they were hospitalized. I called and texted but didn’t hear from them for a couple of weeks. I was afraid they had gotten worse.

Finally, after two weeks I saw the student’s name on my caller ID, and eagerly answered. Their hands and feet had swollen from the chemotherapy, making it impossible for them to type.

So, what did this amazing student do? They put a pen in their mouth and used it as a stylus to tap the keys on their phone and laptop.

I was (for probably the first time in my life) dumbstruck. And ashamed of the times I’d given up too easily because I had a mild headache or was tired. I decided I would never do that again. That whenever I felt like quitting, I’d remember this student and keep on moving forward. If they could keep going with a terminal diagnosis and horrible side effects from the treatment, there would be no excuses for me.

Best of all, this student successfully completed the class and is continuing to pursue their degree. It was an honor and privilege to be their professor.