In middle school, I took a History class on the third floor.
My desk sat facing the windows. There was a sign on the window that read: “ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER THIS ROOM.” My teacher was angry, as you can tell! The main school building, having been constructed in the 1900’s as well as perhaps never receiving any sort of updates of any sort since then, was a stunning historic building without any A/C systems or ventilation devices. My classmates and I would be overheated halfway through the day since our cafeteria had horrible air quality. The doors would be propped open with folding chairs as well as mosquitoes flying in and out. After eating lunch, I went to my History class and sat in the hot, muggy, classroom with no A/C. There were heaters though. They were oil heated radiators that my history teacher threatened to turn on if someone did not ace a quiz. My only saving grace was that every day after that class, I’d be on my way to the new building with A/C for my math class. It was a long walk, especially on those muggy, sizzling afternoons, but it was always worth it. The refreshing, cool air in the room constantly made me cheerful. My teacher was cheerful too, because she got to work in a room that was cool and comfortable all day. Some of my classmates heard that our history teacher had selected the warmest room in the school in order to torment the students. I don’t believe anyone ever mustered the bravery to confront him about it.