It was 10:00 am and I was in my Introduction to Information Proc Systems class. We were "learning" how to edit a document in Microsoft Word. I say "learning" because over half of us knew how to do this. Anyways, so the professor was coming around the class to make sure people knew what they were doing - most of us did.

So the professor started in the front of the room and worked her way back. By the time she got to me, she had asked about twenty or so people if they were doing ok. So I had listened to each of these people say "yes ma'am". Side note: those who are not from the south, like me, do not usually say yes "ma'am" unless being disciplined by their mother. I haven't said "yes ma'am" for like 50 years - even though I am only 18. I haven't even said it while being in the South.

Anyways, my professor got to me and she said "Are you doing all right?" and then it just came out. It wasn't a decision. It was an impulsive act. When I said it, I felt ashamed. Ashamed that I had strayed from my northern roots. However, I have to say that I also felt a bit of pride, southern pride that is. After I said it, I felt like I was a part of the south, like I had just been initiated into a prestigious club.

I would even compare that feeling to the feeling you get when you say "I love you" for the first time to your significant other. It was like it felt good to get the words out, but uncertain if they should have been said.

Though I just said two simple words, it certainly changed my life - well, only two hours of my life when I happened to still be thinking about the incident.

Now I wouldn't say that I am no longer in touch with my northern roots because later that day I responded with a simple "yes" to one of my professors.