I have a friend at work who teaches an orientation course for freshman (how to use the library, getting around campus, financial aid, etc). She had a confrontation this morning with one of her students who has a particularly strong sense of entitlement.

This student informed my friend that he could arrive late and leave early whenever he pleased because he paid for the class. He also said that if she continued to chastise him for being late or not having his work done, he would go to the administration with the complaint that his self-esteem was suffering … and he wasn’t kidding!

Fortunately, my friend let this kid have it. She said that his payment for the course entitled him to a seat in the course, and nothing more. The teacher and students are not on equal footing. The teacher does, and should, have the right to rule the room.

I’m afraid that such sentiments are held by too many kids and young adults today. I’m tired of hearing these teenagers say, “You can’t disrepect me” or “I pay your salary, so I can do what I want.” First of all, I hate the word “disrespect” and I think it should be removed from our language. And, you go to college (I hope) in part to become responsible adults who can function in a society that isn’t always going to bend to your wishes. So, professors should kick you in the butt and embarrass you once in a while.

Oh, and students, stay out of the staff parking lot. You aren’t entitled to that either.