College Professor Goes Viral after Holding Baby in Class so Student Can Take Notes
The kind gesture that Nathan Alexander, a math professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, did went viral after a student photographed and shared the story on social media.
Nick Vaughn, one of the students, took photos of Alexander in front of a board while holding a baby girl. However, the child was not his daughter but one of his students.
In a Facebook post, Vaughn explained in detail what happened. A fellow student named Wayne Hayer got into the classroom that day holding his baby daughter, Assata.
Go Heels! Beat Duke! pic.twitter.com/qPawzIkrwJ
— nathan alexander (@professornaite) February 21, 2019
NOBODY COULD TAKE CARE OF THE BABY
He told Alexander that he couldn’t find a babysitter and nobody else could take care of her. Even though some professors wouldn’t even allow him to be in the classroom with a child, Alexander went above and beyond.
This made me cry! This seemingly small gesture speaks volumes about the kind of person you must be. 💗
— Grab ‘em by the Midterms ⚖️ (@jolenta) March 2, 2019
Not only did he accept him but also offered to hold her so the student could take better notes. Alexander taught the entire lecture holding the girl and even stayed after class helping the students with their questions with the baby still in his arms.
Thank you Professor for being a wonderful example of support and compassion. You are also a great representation of why HBCUs Matter and change lives in ways some will NEVER comprehend!
— I Am NikkiFree (@iamnikkifree) March 2, 2019
Vaughn admitted that the teacher showed him the power and impact that historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) have on the Black community.
Much respect, sir. Your teaching has gone far broader than the lesson plan and now far past the classroom. ❤️
— Kate O'Neill (@kateo) March 2, 2019
“It’s acts like this one that I will see from time to time on campus that reminds me not only why I choose to come to Morehouse but also why this is such a great area for young black men to be in and there’s no other place on earth like MOREHOUSE!” added Vaughn.
Nicely done! Several subjects were taught in this session, it would seem.
— Scenic Oakland (@ScenicOakland) March 2, 2019
DETAILS OF THE KIND ACT
After the story went viral, CNN contacted Hayer, who explained that his wife had to run some errands and they couldn’t find a babysitter on time. The man admitted to being nervous about going to class because Morehouse was an all-male college and everyone would look at him if he walked around holding a baby.
Thanks @Original_Vaughn! I appreciate the love! 👊🏾 #mathematics
— nathan alexander (@professornaite) March 1, 2019
Alexander also talked to CNN and admitted that part of his role as an educator was to provide opportunities for students. Apart from that, he said that the viral moment was not about him, but Hayer’s hard work.
Student came to class today with his child due to no babysitter or anybody to watch her while he was in class.
— TheOriginal™ (@Original_Vaughn) March 1, 2019
My professor NATHAN ALEXANDER said “I’ll hold her so you can take good notes!” #HBCU #morehouse #Respect pic.twitter.com/oogIqetseS
“He works two jobs, is a full-time student, is involved in leadership programs at school and is a parent. This photo serves as a reminder of what parents have to do every day and how important it is to have affordable childcare," revealed Alexander.
Finally, the professor said that Assata was “really behave” and started falling asleep at the end of the lecture. “We enjoyed having her energy in class,” finished Alexander.
PATRISHA ORGANO’S STORY
Thankfully, Alexander is not the only “hero” that has helped a desperate parent. Patrisha Organo, a flight attendant on a Philippine Airlines flight, noticed that an infant couldn’t stop crying while on the plane.
When she asked the mother what the problem was, the lady explained that she was hungry and didn’t have baby formula. Organo, who had given birth to a girl almost a year before that encounter, knew that she could help and offered to breastfeed the baby.
The mother accepted and, a few minutes after Organo started breastfeeding the child, she fell asleep.