Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE ZOOM CLASSROOM — You don't need me to tell you this semester's been hard. I've attended too many lectures via dial-up after my WiFi went out this year to count, and I can only offer a Hail Mary and prayers to those with remote-learning K-12 experiences.
But it's often easy to forget that while students and parents are struggling, teachers and professors are the real MVPs of this year.
This video will melt your heart and singlehandedly warm your house this December. It's that sweet.
Meet Dr. Brown, a beloved professor who's been working hard to provide the best online classroom he can to his students.
On the last day of his course, they decided to repay his kindness with a Zoom-style flash mob that's sweeter than all the Christmas cookies you'll be baking in the next few weeks.
Upon entering class and seeing a swathe of students without their cameras on, Brown is understandably confused but still lighthearted as he jokes, "Is that the cool new thing to do? Not turn your camera on? I've heard that. I've heard that in some classes nobody turns their camera on, including the instructor, and I thought, 'My gosh!'" He says and places an exasperated palm to his forehead.
In a true 2020 technical moment, he then asks, "Seriously, is it my fault that you guys have your cameras off?"
Then one of the students informs him they'd all like to do something, to which a still-confused Brown asks, "...With your cameras off?"
Knowing their cue, the cameras all come on in a matter of seconds to reveal thank-you signs and grinning students. One reads, 'Thank you for making a difference' and another says, 'thank you for a great semester.'
Brown's reaction is immediate.
"Aww, you guys, you're gonna make me cry."
@laurenherrle13 surprised the sweetest teacher on our last day of class 🥺❤️ ##HolidayCrafts##CancelTheNoise##UpTheBeat##fyp
♬ original sound - lauren herrle
True to his word, he does. The glasses come off, he wipes away tears as one of the student's hands flies to her still-smiling mouth, and it's clear that the little display of kindness and heartfelt goodbye made all the difference for this teacher.
Voice still struggling, Brown manages, "You guys...Thank you."
As this year comes to a close and school winds down for winter break, this video is a warm reminder that in a year where the news cycle's been as harsh as the weather (looking at you, earthquake and windstorm), everyone is in this together, and even a small act of kindness can be a miracle for someone doing their best.
Have You Seen This?
