The Rich and Their Pad Papers (and Greed, Probably)

Back in college, that was first year, I was one of those who stepped out of the classroom because we were told to do so.

We had a quiz and our professor told us to bring out a yellow paper. Of course, some do not have and so they asked. I had plenty so I gave a sheet. That was when our professor said, Everyone who asked for a yellow paper, stand up. We knew what will happen next. They will be asked to leave. But what was unexpected was when our professor said, Everyone who gave a sheet, stand up. All of you, go out of the room! 

Yellow lined paper from clipart.email.

So that was the story of the very first time, in my whole school journey, I got kicked out of the class. I remember my classmate apologized while we were outside the halls, but I was just smiling and didn't feel bad. For some reason, I think it was a good experience — I am not that goody two shoes everyone thinks. 

Now, there's this Facebook post going on my feed asking How can you say that your classmate came from an affluent family (rich kid)? And my answer is, Whenever they have a pad paper in class. 

Here's the thing. With that post, I remembered I cried because of paper. I was in elementary back then. Grade 4, I think? Our teacher asked us to bring out a sheet. I looked at my pad, surprised that there was nothing left in it. Some leaves had drawings in it.  Nanay was just about to buy me a pad. Since I thought I still had some blank sheets ergo, it wasn't a problem yet. The situation proved me wrong.

I asked one of my classmates (I still remember her face and name) but she declined. She even said or it was probably one of them, (those around me) I wasted my paper because I kept on drawing nonsense during our free time. I felt like I really had nothing that time. I grabbed my eraser, it was pink, and tried to erase Son Goku in one of the sheets and started crying silently. In a few, someone handed me a sheet of paper. I can no longer remember if it was the same person I asked earlier. Was that also the time I stopped trying to draw Goku? I kept on drawing him because I wanted my illustration to look perfect. Well, that's the past. I even stopped caring for my paint brushes, drawing pencils and books. I wasn't good in that department anyway. (Insert sad and depressing statement on how little actions start to discourage people from honing their talents and achieving their dreams.) 

Circling back to that college incident, perhaps that was the reason why I didn't feel bad, too, despite missing a quiz (a boo-boo if you are running for honors or people perceive you to be someone who always aces the classes) in a major subject — I got kicked out because I wasn't selfish. I had plenty so what's the fuzz for a sheet, right? However, we both got kicked out so I guess, it's just "quits".  Oh, well. I was told my kindness is both an asset and a liability. And that time, it was the latter.

I guess I would always remember these stories, especially during this time. It's very timely. Let's give when we're able, when we have more than enough. But also, let's educate people how they can have these things, too, when nobody else will be there for them. Help them get back on their feet so they can stand on their own. Also, don't forget the distance between social classes is the reason why we are fighting with each other and not with the reason why we have the divide. It is just right to fight for our slice of economic justice but let us not make the poor our enemy (Verona, 2020).

Had our professor didn't speak right away while everyone was busy asking and giving yellow papers, most probably, all of us will be out of the class. I have a hunch that all of us in class were matured and generous enough to give.