I got moved to a lower year because I failed the previous one. In my new group, I barely know anyone. Just a couple of people.
Before the exam, we were sitting in the hallway waiting for the room to open. There was a young guy next to me, looked exactly like a student. I thought — let me at least talk to someone, nothing else to do.
I lightly tap his shoulder and ask: “Waiting for the exam too?” He says: “Yeah.”
And then, for no reason, I keep talking. I guess I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone. So I add: “Hope the professor is nice. I didn’t study at all.”
He pauses. Then calmly says: “I am the professor.”
I froze. The embarrassment hit me hard. I just mumbled “sorry.” Walked away and sat in the corner. Spent the rest of the waiting time with a red face, thinking — that’s it, I’m going to fail.
I go into the exam (oral exam). I’m thinking — now he remembers me and will destroy me. But he didn’t care at all. Just sat there calmly, listened, asked questions. Professional. Didn’t even give me a weird look. I was shaking inside while answering, but he just did his job like normal.
In the end, he passed me.
Honestly, thank god he didn’t care about that whole situation. I was stressed until the very end, but I worried for nothing.
TL;DR: I mistook my professor for a student, told him I didn't study, and spent the whole exam terrified — but he didn't care and passed me anyway.
Edit: Many people here assumed I am a medical student in the US. I am not. I live in a country with a very different education system. A third world country.
Here, many subjects have nothing to do with medicine. But you still have to pass them formally to move to the next year. Everyone knows this, even the professors. This exam was one of those subjects.
Also, I did not fail because I didn't care about studying. I had family problems and took an academic leave. I don't want to share the reasons here. I don't owe anyone my personal story.
You cannot judge a person by one funny post on Reddit. You have never met me. Making such quick conclusions says more about you than about me.