Compassion is...teaching and being taught.

Tonight I sent students their grades (it's midterms, plus tomorrow is the last day to drop without affecting your permanent record...that sounds so scary, and my undergraduate permanent record was, ah hem, definitely affected...heh). One student's response was so caring that I have to share.
Here's my message to the student:
...I can't send your total grade report. And I apologize profusely for this frustration and promise you that I share any anger you may feel toward me because of ambiguity about your grade. :)
Nonetheless, you have everything I have graded, and you can figure out your grade at any time. According to my records, you have currently earned a B (89.6). If it were final grade time, you would get an A...so why don't you just write what you need to write to earn that A, huh? :) You are, after all, an outstanding writer. Really.
Please, ask questions about your grade tomorrow if you need help!

Regards,
Wendy

And the student's response:

No frustration, only love. As frustrating as it may be for you, I personally rather have a down to earth professor who challenges me than a cookie cutter educator who gives me my stuff back within a certain time frame. I love your class!

Who needs a paycheck, huh? Bring on the love, students! Bring it on in double handfuls. Geez and peets do I need it now...I'm grading at 12:12 a.m. after all.