During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and breezed through the questions until I read the last one.

"Surely, the final question must be some kind of a joke," I thought to myself after reading it.

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" it inquired.

I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's. I think I might have even spoken to her, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the final question blank.

Just before class ended that day, one student asked if the last question would count towards our quiz grade. "Absolutely," answered the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. Each deserves your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say, "Hello".

I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day. And one more thing I have not forgotten: her name was Dorothy.