by George Dimitriadis

Created on: July 04, 2008   Last Updated: October 01, 2011

It was one of those hot summer days, just before lunch. The air-conditioning in the classroom was running a poor second to the humidity and windows were fully open in anticipation of the predicted cool change.

I was explaining how to solve quadratic equations, but I might just as well have been describing how useful it would be to make ice water in the arctic. Some students feigned interest in what I was saying by writing in their book, but the majority were languidly waiting for the bell.

The door slowly opened and all were thankful for the respite this event promised. The Principal and a tall boy entered the room.

"Hello, everyone," the Principal began. "We have a new student. This is Manny Erds. He will be in your class. I'm sure all of you will help him become a part of our school community."

Manny stood motionless, staring through the window.

The Principal finished his speech, smiled beatifically at Manny, gave me a "please take care of him" look and left the room.

Manny's demeanour was intimidating, almost menacing. Taller than average, of slim build and dark features, his physique was a product of his ancestral inheritance; a concave nose, pointed chin and prominent ears. Long hair, earrings and Goth attire completed the image.

"Hi, Manny," I began, "There's an empty seat over there."

I pointed to a desk next to Jimmy.

"I'll talk to you in a little while about what we are doing in math."

During lunch I was briefed. Manny was an orphan and was looked after by his grandmother. He had been in trouble and at his previous school was asked to "move on". His reports were not enviable. Frequently truant, unco-operative, inattentive and prone to daydreaming were prominent behavioural descriptors.
Next day, Manny sat alone at the back of the classroom, near the window. He had somehow acquired our school diary, but he had no books.

I began my spiel. "Okay, today we will look at the relationship between the solutions to a quadratic equation and the determinant, where -"

"The discriminant," a voice interrupted. It was Manny.

"I'm sorry, Manny. What do you mean?" I asked, slightly apprehensive.

"The discriminant," he repeated loudly.

Immediately I realised that he was right.

"Remember the difference between discriminant and determinant!" I mentally scolded myself.

The class was totally absorbed, already seeing the sword of Damocles suspended precariously over my head. They did not know exactly what was going on, but they wanted more. Could I redeem myself?

"Yes, of

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>