The Doctor Gets a Visitor II
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...


Chapter 2

The First Teaching Experience

The guys got back to the college and went to the Music Building. Jeff veered off and went to Dr. Campbell’s office. She was just coming out to go to class. “Jeff, I am going to let you take full control of the class. I will be there if you need me, but I think it will be much more fun if you do what you want. I will only intervene if I think that you are too far out of line.”
 
Jeff said, “I had lunch with a gentleman who is in the class, and he told me that he was dreading this class, so could you go in and set the stage for my grand entrance?”
 
Anne went in and said, “I am Anne Campbell, and here to make sure that you get the biggest possible bang for your buck, to help assist you in learning to appreciate music.”
 
Before she could get any further, Jeff heard a voice. “Anne, I thought Jeff was going to be teaching this class. I came to heckle him.”
 
“Oh Billy, relax, he had something to take care of.” Anne laughed.
 
Jeff went running in and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, and Dr. Bill, The butterflies were bouncing around and I had to get rid of them. Hi! I am Jeff. I am here to try to help you learn that music is an integral part of your lives and to see if I can’t help you enjoy what you have always taken for granted.”
 
“Now, I would appreciate it if everyone would share the following information so that I know how to proceed with this class.” Jeff said as he wrote the following information on the board.

Name
Musical background
Favorite type of music
What would you like to get from this course?
 
“I’ll start. I’m Jeff Wilson. I can play the piano and several other instruments. I like to sing and hear other people sing. I’m not sure what my favorite type of music is. I like all kinds, but am offended by some of the lyrics in some of today’s rap and rock songs. I am really hoping that you can help me learn to appreciate music even more this semester.”
 
“Now, we’ll go to Dr. Campbell.” She stood up and answered the questions and when she finished, she said, “I’m taking extensive notes for the next time I have to teach this course.”
 
Jeff went around the class and wrote down what everyone was saying. When he got to Reg, Reg stood and said, “I am Reg Weaver. As Jeff already knows I really don’t want to be in this class. I don’t understand what music has to do with life. Music certainly doesn’t have any part in my life especially now.”
 
Jeff looked at him and said, “Thanks for being honest. I hope that by the end of the semester, you’ll change your opinions.” Jeff looked around and suddenly realized he hadn’t heard from Bruce. “Bruce, I guess it’s your turn.”
 
Bruce stood and said, “I am Bruce Degen and I don’t have anymore to say, since I never listen to music. I guess I can’t learn to appreciate something when I don’t know anything about it.”
 
Jeff wrote some notes and then turned and said, “Now, did I forget anybody?”
 
Dr. Potts stood and said, “I’m Dr. Bill Potts. I teach economics here at the college. I would like to echo what Jeff said, except that I am thinking about what I expect to get out of this class. When I decide, I’ll let you know?”
 
Jeff said, “I’d like to thank all of you for sharing. Now, here is the information about that course that you probably want to know. First there is no text for the course. I tried to read the first two chapters of the text that is in the bookstore and I fell asleep. There is no way you can learn to appreciate music by reading. Second there will be no tests. Instead you will be graded on your participation in class.”
 
“You will each do one brief individual project, a group project and one short log which you will turn in at the end of the class. You will need something with ten pages of paper to start with, for a special project. You will also be graded on your class participation in some fun projects that will come up when we have the time, and notice I didn’t say quality of that participation; and finally, how much static you give your facilitator, i.e. me. However, if you think I have said or done something that is wrong, I definitely want you to call me on it and then we can discuss it and get the right information.”
 
“I will demonstrate what your individual and group projects will entail on Wednesday, and I would like everyone to have their ten sheets of paper by Wednesday. I'll explain what I would like you to do with them at that time. Now does anyone have any questions?”
 
Jeff looked around and said, “Seeing none, Mr. Weaver, I have some questions for you. I met your lovely wife, Jill, and the Cub today. When Chip was a little baby, and he would cry at night, what would you and Jill do?”
 
“We would pick him up and sing to him, to settle him down. We would sing Hush Little Baby Don’t Cry, or Lullaby and Goodnight.” Reg answered.
 
“Now that Chip is four, you don’t sing with him anymore, then?” Jeff asked.
 
“Actually he wants us to sing with him all the time. He wants us to sing Nursery Rhymes like Baa Baa Black Sheep or Mary Had a Little Lamb and many more.” Reg answered.
 
Jeff turned to Bruce, and said, “Bruce, I feel so sorry for you. You must lead a very dull life.”
 
“What do you mean?” Bruce asked.
 
“Well, you said you never listen to music. I guess you don’t have a car.” Jeff said.
 
“I have a car.” Bruce answered stiffly.
 
“I guess your car doesn’t have a radio in it then.” Jeff said.
 
“I have a radio and a tape player in my car. It is on all the time and I never turn it off.” Bruce answered.
 
“I guess you must listen to nothing but talk shows.” Jeff said.
 
Bruce looked at him strangely and said, “What are you talking about. I switch between three music stations to find something I like.”
 
“Thank you for sharing that. I guess you never go to the movies?” Jeff asked.
 
“I really enjoy going to the movies. Why do you ask?” Bruce asked.
 
“I was just curious, do you have any favorites?” asked Jeff.
 
“My all time favorite is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I just saw Doctor Zhivago on television and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I really like the Lord of the Rings series.” Bruce said.
 
Jeff went to the piano and started to play songs from the three movies and finished by singing part of Somewhere My Love. He turned to Bruce and said, “I guess you never heard the songs Whistle While You Work or Heigh Ho Heigh Ho. I can’t imagine watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy if they hadn’t had the music to go with the story. I think even you would have to agree that the music made Dr. Zhivago come to life. Now Mr. Degen, would you like to revise your answers to the four questions on the board?”
 
Bruce stood and said, “I am still Bruce Degen. I listen to music all the time, but I have no idea what kind I really like. I guess I have just taken music for granted, because it is always there. I think maybe now, I will be learning to enjoy it even more.”
 
Jeff stood and applauded, “Bruce, you just taught this class a very powerful lesson. We all take music for granted, and don’t realize how dull our lives would be without it. It would be just like if there were no colors in the world. Thank you, dude, for helping us.”
 
Jeff looked at the clock and said, “I see I have used all my time for today, but I have a favorite song I would like to sing before we leave.”
 
He sat down at the piano and started to play and sing Que Sera Sera, but he added a couple of verses. “When I was just a little boy, I asked my mother what will I be? Will I be a facilitator, would I be good. Here’s what she said to me. Que Sera Sera what ever will be will be. The future is not ours to see Que Sera Sera.” Jeff added one verse, “When I was starting college here, I asked my mother what would I see?   When I am facilitating Music Appreciation will the students learn from anything from me? Here’s what she said to me, it really up to them. Que Sera Sera whatever will be will be.”
 
The class stood and applauded and Dr. Potts came forward. When everyone grew quiet, Dr. Potts said, “Ladies and gentlemen, you are extremely fortunate to have this young man as your facilitator. I can hardly wait to see what we do on Wednesday. I have to go pay my tuition, so I can take this course.”
 
Jeff was standing there like a zombie but he recovered and said, “I hope I see you all back here on Wednesday. I would like to talk to Reg and Bruce for just a minute.”
 
“Jeff, I think Dean Campbell has someone set to interview you shortly so don’t be too long. Bill, I need to talk to you please.” Anne Campbell said.
 
Jeff turned to Reg and asked, “Are you going to be home about 4:00. I’d like to stop by and visit.”
 
“I’ll be there with Chip.” Reg answered.
 
“I’ll see you then.” Jeff said, as he turned to Bruce and asked, “Can you walk with me to the administration building, so we can visit?”
 
“I don’t have a class now, so sure.” Bruce said, as they put on their jackets and gathered their things.
 
As they were walking, Jeff said, “Bruce, I apologize for what happened in class. I hope I didn’t offend you and I certainly didn’t want to embarrass you.”
 
Bruce looked at him and said, “I was really angry at first, but then I realized it was my own fault, because I was so blasé in my response. You made me realize that I need to think before I speak. Now, can I ask you a question?”
 
“Of course.” said Jeff.
 
“I have a feeling that you might be gay. Am I right?” Bruce asked.
 
Jeff almost froze but said, “Bruce, that’s rather bold. Why did you ask that? Do I appear to be gay?” Jeff asked, as he sucked in a deep breath.
 
“Jeff, let me assure that you don’t appear in the least way to be gay, and I don’t even know why I asked. I’m just hoping, I guess.” Bruce said, with tears in his eyes.
 
“Bruce, I am gay, but I would like to think about what you just said. I’ll see you on Wednesday, if not before. Have a good day.” Jeff said, as he went into the building.
 
“Hi Mitzi, I’m expecting Dr. Price, so would you tell her I will be right with her. I understand I have an interview.” Jeff said.
 
“Yes, there is a young lady waiting in your office.” Mitzi answered.
 
Jeff walked into the office, leaving the door open. He looked at the young lady, “Hi Tricia, I recognize you from Music Appreciation, and I think you were in several of my classes this morning.”
 
“Jeff, I think I have been in all of your classes today. Everyone is just amazed that you have courage to do what you did today. You did what the rest of us were afraid to do.” Tricia answered.
 
There was a knock on the door and Jeff looked up and said, “Come in Dr. Potts, what can I do for you?”
 
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Jeff, do you have your tapes of the classes with you?” Dr. Potts asked.
 
Jeff reached into his backpack and pulled out five tapes. “You will give them back, won’t you?” Jeff asked.
 
Dr. Potts said, “Yes, and I’m sorry to have interrupted you and Tricia.” as he left.
 
Tricia asked, “Jeff, what do you see your role in this job being?”
 
“To be honest, I hope I can offer a safe place for students to come and discuss whatever is bothering them, or about any problems they might be experiencing. I may not know the answer, but if I don't I promise I’ll try to find someone that does know the answer.” Jeff answered.
 
“How much time will you be spending on the job?” Tricia asked.
 
“Right now an hour each day. As you know, I am taking classes all morning and then helping as a facilitator, plus I have commitments to teach piano lessons in the afternoon.” Jeff said.
 
“May I take a picture of you to accompany the article?” Tricia asked.
 
“Tricia, I would rather not have a picture of me with the article, or people might stop me anywhere and try to solicit my help. I also hope that you won’t discuss what happened in any of the classes, today. I’m probably in big trouble, and may not even be here by this time next week.” Jeff said.
 
Tricia said, “I can bring you the article before I publish it if you wish.”
 
“No Tricia, that wouldn’t be fair to you. You write what you have to do so that the freedom of the press is preserved, but please don’t be biased.” Jeff said as they stood and Jeff escorted Tricia out. He stopped at Mitzi's desk and said, “I guess Dr. Price didn’t get here.”
 
“Actually Jeff, she is in the President’s office, and he wants you to go in.” Jeff knocked and was confronted by President Campbell, Dr. Anne Campbell, Dr. Greg Thompson, Dr. Bill Potts, and Dr. Robbie Price. Jeff said, “You wanted to see me, sir? It looks like the firing squad is already in place.”
 
“Jeff, I want to assure you that you are not in trouble.” President Campbell said. “We are amazed that you were astute enough to recognize the problems, and draw attention to them. I would like to know how you think Dr. Price might make her class easy, since she was blindsided.”
 
“To start with, she could require the class to read four novels so they could discuss them in class. I really haven’t had much time to think about this, but perhaps she could have the class read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, The Mitford Years from Jan Karon’s series and finally a novel by Clive Cussler, like White Death. This would include two members of each sex and they cover a lot of different types of social problems. Then we would need to find some poetry to read, and a play or two. The students would need to present a book talk, and keep a log of their perceptions of each class.” Jeff answered.
 
Dr. Potts said, “President Campbell, why doesn’t Jeff act as a facilitator for Robbie like he does for Anne?”
 
“I can’t possibly do anymore, or I will never graduate.” Jeff said.
 
“Jeff, you will be getting full credit for each course that you are assisting with, if your mentor thinks you have done a good job, so that shouldn’t be a problem.” President Campbell said.
 
“Dr. Price, can I get together with you to discuss where we are going on Wednesday then?” Jeff asked.
 
She looked at him and said, “Why don’t I just introduce you and you can tell the class what you have in mind? I am sure whatever you come up with will be a 100% improvement on what I can come up with in such a short time. I can hardly wait to tell Gwen about today.”
 
“Dr. Potts, I’m not going to be a facilitator in your class, so don’t even go there. I know nothing about economics.” Jeff said.
 
Jeff turned to President Campbell and asked, “May I leave, sir, I have several things I need to do, and I still haven’t fixed anything for dinner.”
 
“Go ahead Jeff, I’ll talk to you tomorrow” President Campbell answered.
 
Jeff left and went to the Baxter’s house. The four guys were sitting at the table doing their homework independently. Jeff said, “Guys, I have a question, would it be okay if we had one big birthday party for everyone on February 5th?”   We could ask all of your classmates to a swimming party at Gram’s house.”
 
Teddy said, “I feel funny asking people to a party for me, since I don’t know them that well yet.”
 
Spencer said, “I’ll only agree if the invitations say absolutely no gifts, and if anyone brings gifts they will be taken to a home for homeless children.”
 
Toby looked at him and said, “Okay, but don’t send the invitation to our parents.” Then he realized what he said, and started to cry. “Spencer, I’m so sorry I was so thoughtless.”
 
“That’s okay. I have Tyler, Jeff and Doctor Dad.” Spencer replied.
 
Jeff stopped the conversation and said, “I would like Spencer to go with me to the bank, and then I have an errand to run. Does anyone else want to go with us?”
 
The other three guys deferred and Jeff took Spencer home to get his money so he could put it in the bank. They made a quick stop at the bank where Spencer made a deposit and Jeff made a withdrawal. They stopped and got some cars and trucks at a toy store.
 
“Jeff, what’s going on? What’s happening?” Spencer asked.
 
“Let’s wait and see.” Jeff said.
 

To be continued... 
 

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

See, I told you Jeff had something up his sleeve. I knew he had some ideas. He is just such a great guy, and boy is Spencer going to fall in love with the cub! I can see it now. Well, actually, I have to wait till I start the next chapter, but you know what I mean.

Darryl

AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 05/18/07