Time is like a sword: if you don't cut it, it cuts you

During college years, my friend and I were among a few other students who managed to be in class early. One day, a lecturer asked my opinion whether she should wait for the other students to come in or just start the lecture. What would I do if I were her? I simply answered, “I don’t wait”.  The lecturer laughed and said, “You know, I used to lock the door against the latecomers”. Then, she began her lecture but of course she was generous enough to not to lock the door.  

  In our next meeting, the lecturer started her lecture right after she entered the classroom. As usual, there were students who came in late, even after the attendance sheet was passed around and returned to the lecturer.  When the lecturer called it a day, these students approached her and requested to sign the attendance sheet. This was the moment that I liked the most; she ignored their request by saying that it would be unfair to the students who were punctual. Thumbs up!

  So, to lecturers, speakers, event organizers, etc, please don’t punish the early comers by dragging the time to start the classes/seminars/events. What you need to do is not to grant the latecomers with something they don’t deserve -: wait and merit.