It's difficult to know what people need. That's the hard thing.

One of my students. Definitely missed too many classes to pass the course. I informed this student of the fact.

And he pleaded. He made a good case; it's been a hard time.

I saw two things, I guess. This student needed both (1) some sort of reasonable limit and (2) a break in this life. He needed those to come together. My power was limited though. I couldn't give both.

Typically, my rule is "when there is doubt, show mercy."

I didn't this time though, and I guess I'll never see how things turn out in the end.