One fateful day, Alex woke up late for her 8 a.m. psychology class. Rushing out of her dorm room, she carelessly tossed her trash onto the floor, expecting someone else to clean up after her. As she was hurrying down the hallway, she collided with Mr. Jenkins, spilling her coffee and notes all over the floor.
Over the next few weeks, Alex encountered Mr. Jenkins repeatedly, each time he challenged her entitled behavior. He’d appear in the background of her lectures, quietly sweeping the floor or emptying trash cans. He’d be in the cafeteria, watching her with an unblinking gaze as she left her trash for others to clean up.
One day, as she was walking out of her psychology class, Alex saw Mr. Jenkins standing by the door, his cart parked beside him. He looked up at her and nodded. One fateful day, Alex woke up late for her 8 a
Alex bristled, her entitled attitude flaring up. “Mind your own business, janitor. I’ll have you fired if I have to.”
Alex’s face burned with indignation, but Mr. Jenkins simply shook his head and began to clean up after her. As she was hurrying down the hallway, she collided with Mr
“Miss, you’re going to have to take responsibility for your actions,” he said firmly, his eyes piercing. “This isn’t a hotel, and you’re not a paying guest. We’re not here to cater to your every whim.”
For the first time, Alex felt a spark of self-awareness. She looked at Mr. Jenkins, really looked at him, and saw a person, not just a janitor. She saw someone who took pride in his work, who cared about the university and its people. Jenkins repeatedly, each time he challenged her entitled
At first, Alex tried to ignore him, but Mr. Jenkins’ presence began to unnerve her. She started to realize that her actions had consequences, and that the people she had previously disregarded were, in fact, the backbone of the university.