The Forgotten Name: A Lesson in Gratitude
I have a very good story for you about the life of an excellent doctor.
This lesson in nursing came to me during an ordinary day at the end of my second month of nursing school.
We had a pop quiz from our professor. Needless to say, as the diligent student I am, I filled in all but one or two of them right away. Then I got to the final question:
The final question is: What is the name of our school cleaner?
It was a mistake at first or a joke… The cleaning lady was someone I had seen before — tall, a little heavy and in her 50s with long dark hair — but when she approached me to talk, it occurred to me that I did not know what her name was.
Why would that be helpful for my degree?
Ok, it does not matter in a nursing class. So, I turned in my paper, slightly alarmed but leaving that question unanswered.
The Professor's Lesson
As the class was finishing up, one very lovely student raised her hand and asked if we were going to be graded for that last question. The answer came fast from our Professor.
“Of course,” she said with a firm but gentle voice.
There will be many people you meet in your career, all of which are important. At a bare minimum, they need to see some sort of attention or care, even if you acknowledge their presence with a smile and say hello.”
Later we came to know that the lady’s name was Dorothy.
Lesson 1: Every Person Matters
At that moment, the professor’s words struck me deeply.
The cleaning lady wasn’t just an anonymous figure in the background; she was a person with a name, a life, and a job that contributed to the smooth running of our school.
I realized then that it wasn’t just patients or colleagues who mattered — everyone around us.
In our rush through life, it’s easy to overlook the people who quietly keep things going behind the scenes.
Dorothy wasn’t invisible, and she shouldn’t be treated as such. Regardless of their role, everyone deserves recognition, respect, and kindness.
The professor’s words struck me deeply at that moment.
The cleaning lady was not just a mysterious woman in the shadows but also someone with a face and name who lived somewhere outside school hours, doing this work to help keep things running smoothly.
It made me see that it isn’t just about patients or colleagues but all the others nearby.
In our fast-paced lives, there are some people who hardly get noticed but play a crucial role in shaping several lives.
Dorothy was not invisible and had no business being treated as such.
Role or not, everyone deserves to be acknowledged and treated well.
Lesson 2: The Power of Acknowledgment
That day, I learned that acknowledging others, even in the simplest ways, can have a profound impact.
A smile, a greeting, or remembering someone’s name might seem insignificant, but it can brighten someone’s day and show them they are seen and valued.
In the hustle of daily life, we often forget how powerful these small gestures can be.
Dorothy’s work may not have been glamorous, but it was necessary.
I could show her the respect she deserved by remembering her name and acknowledging her. We can all do that for those around us, no matter their title or position.
Lesson 3: Building a Culture of Gratitude
This quiz was more than a test of academic knowledge — it was a lesson in culture and values.
Fostering a culture of gratitude makes a world of difference in any community, workplace, or environment.
When we express thanks and show appreciation, we create an environment where everyone feels included and valued.
In nursing, I would go on to work with many different people — patients, doctors, and staff.
But this lesson from my professor stayed with me: It’s not just the technical skills that matter, but the way we treat everyone we encounter.
Conclusion: A Lasting Lesson
I always remembered that pop quiz or the lesson my professor taught us that day. Dorothy became more than just a name on a quiz. She symbolised the importance of acknowledging and valuing everyone, regardless of their role.
In life, it’s easy to get caught up in our own goals and forget about the people around us. But the truth is, every person contributes to our shared experience.
Whether it’s at work, school, or in our daily lives, remembering that everyone matters — and taking the time to show it — makes all the difference.
Dorothy may never know how she impacted my life, but her presence reminded me of the values I now hold dear: kindness, gratitude, and respect for all.
And that, in itself, is the most important lesson of all.
