The College Professor Who Opened Every Semester By Playing “Don’T Laugh At Me”

March 31, 2025

Every semester, as the autumn leaves began to fall and students shuffled into the lecture hall, Professor Harris would take his place at the front of the room with a warm smile. The dim lights would dim even further, and he would play a song that always seemed to resonate deeply in the hearts of his students: “Don’t Laugh at Me” by the talented singer-songwriter, Mark Wills. The song, filled with powerful lyrics about acceptance and understanding, set the tone for Professor Harris’s course on empathy and resilience.

As the haunting melodies filled the air, Professor Harris would watch the students closely. Some would lean back in their chairs, lost in thought, while others jotted down notes, eyes wide with realization. “Don’t Laugh at Me” tells the stories of those who feel out of place—someone who might be bullied, someone who feels different, or someone who’s just trying to find their way in a world that sometimes seems harsh and unkind. Professor Harris often narrated how Mark Wills, a country artist, had faced his own battles before the world knew his name. He spoke of how Wills grew up in a small town, where he often felt like an outsider, but how his passion for music helped him overcome the challenges he faced.

In telling his students about Wills, Professor Harris shared the significance of the song that became an anthem for many. Wills wrote it while recalling his own struggles, fueled by a desire to foster kindness and acceptance. The song became a pivotal part of his career, reaching audiences nationwide who resonated with its message. Through Mark Wills, Professor Harris taught his students that every person has a story, and often, those stories are filled with pain, longing, and ultimately, triumph. Each verse of the song was a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

The first time he played the song, there was a palpable shift in the room. Laughter and chatter were replaced by silence, as students listened intently to the lyrics that spoke of vulnerability. Professor Harris could see the emotions reflected on their faces; some students wiped away tears, while others nodded in understanding. He knew that this moment was not just about music; it was about creating a safe space for students to express themselves and acknowledge their feelings. By sharing his own stories of struggle, alongside Wills’ powerful lyrics, he inspired them to open up about their own experiences, fostering an environment of trust.

As the semester unfolded, the impact of that one song reverberated throughout the course. Students began to share their own stories, forming connections that was rare among people of diverse backgrounds. They began to find strength in one another, learning that it was okay to be vulnerable. By the end of the semester, Professor Harris’s classroom felt less like a lecture hall and more like a family. The students carried the lessons learned, not just about music but about life, into the future. They left the class not only educated but transformed, armed with the understanding that laughter should arise from joy, not ridicule.

Years later, as they walked across the stage during graduation, many of them would remember the sound of that song echoing in their minds. Mark Wills’ heartfelt lyrics became a part of their own stories, a reminder that laughter is meant to lift us up, not tear us down. Professor Harris looked on proudly, knowing that he had not only taught them but had also given them a glimpse into the power of resilience—much like that of a musician who channelled his own experiences into something beautiful, impacting lives all around him. And as they moved into the world, they carried that spirit of kindness and empathy, ready to make a difference, just like the artist who had inspired them all.