Yesterday, a student gifted me an expensive and luxurious assortment of mooncakes and other gourmet treats in celebration of the upcoming Mooncake Festival on September 25. She insinuated that she gave it to me because I’m her number-one professor.
I expressed my sincere appreciation and told her that I felt honored. However, I was unable to accept the gift for two reasons. First, as a state-employed faculty member, I am prohibited by New York State law from accepting gifts from students. Second, I’m currently on the keto diet, so I only eat keto-friendly foods.
As the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts—and I truly appreciate the thought behind her generous gesture.
