In my first semester of college two years ago, there was a quiet girl in my class who never answered the teacher. Each time he called on her, she remained silent. His frustration grew until one day, he burst out, “Hey! Didn’t anyone teach you how to speak?”
Without a word, she stood up, walked to the whiteboard, grabbed his marker, and wrote: “I am mute, you fool.”
Her silent but powerful reply became an unforgettable lesson in empathy, reminding everyone of the importance of understanding before passing judgment. That moment turned an awkward exchange into a lasting message for our entire class.