“The one thing college actually offers–a chance to learn–is considered irrelevant, even less than worthless, because of the long hours and hard work required.” 

This caught my attention because too many people expect things that they do not deserve.  I know too many people who feel that the world owes them.  I got the same message while reading this essay.  The author points out how some students feel they deserve a better grade for whatever reason, even though they didn’t put forth the hard work to honestly earn a good grade.

“After 10 years I should have known better, but I went to my office the day after final grades were posted.” 

I think this is the thesis because the essay continues to talk about what happens after grades are posted.  The students,with their different issues regarding their final grades, contact him to beg for another chance, more options, etc. 

The second paragraph is a great supporter of the thesis:

“After the student gave his tale of woe and left, the phone rang.”

The students begin contacting him soon after the grades are posted in hopes of a grade change.  This clearly is supportive of the thesis.

I enjoyed this essay and it gave me a heads up on how I should look at achieving my college grades.  I also know not to complain to a professor after final grades are posted, rather think about how and why I earned the grade I received.