Stories with Tag Personal Story

• When This Professor Got Cancer, He Didn't Quit. He Taught a Class About It

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  Posted: 2025-02-26 18:44:50

  Verbose tl;dr

  Facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Stanford professor Bryant Lin refused to abandon his students. Instead, he integrated his experience with esophageal cancer into his final course, "Living With Cancer," offering a uniquely personal and real-time perspective on the disease. He openly shared his treatment journey, physical struggles, and emotional reflections, providing students with invaluable insights into the medical, social, and ethical dimensions of cancer. Lin's dedication to teaching and his willingness to be vulnerable transformed his classroom into a space of shared humanity and learning, inspiring students even as he confronted his own mortality.

  In a poignant and deeply personal narrative documented by the New York Times, Dr. Bryant Lin, a distinguished Associate Professor of Medicine at the prestigious Stanford University, faced the formidable challenge of a stage IV lung cancer diagnosis. Rather than succumbing to despair or retreating from his professional obligations, Dr. Lin embarked on a truly extraordinary endeavor, transforming his own arduous medical journey into a profound pedagogical experience for his students. He developed and instructed a novel course entitled “CHEM 179: Cancer, Culture, and Community,” which meticulously explored the multifaceted dimensions of cancer from scientific, societal, and intensely individual perspectives.

  This remarkable academic undertaking offered students an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the intricacies of oncology, encompassing not only the biological mechanisms of the disease, but also the profound emotional and cultural implications it carries. Dr. Lin’s course transcended the traditional boundaries of academic discourse, weaving in his own lived experience with the disease to provide a uniquely intimate and compelling understanding of the subject matter. He candidly shared his personal struggles with his diagnosis, treatment regimen, and the profound emotional and psychological toll exacted by the relentless disease.

  Furthermore, Dr. Lin's course fostered an environment of open dialogue and critical analysis, encouraging students to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas surrounding cancer care, including end-of-life decision-making, the financial burdens associated with treatment, and the societal stigmas often attached to the disease. This pedagogical approach extended beyond theoretical discussions to incorporate real-world engagement, with students actively participating in community outreach initiatives and collaborating with cancer patients and their families.

  Through this profoundly personal and intellectually rigorous course, Dr. Lin not only imparted invaluable knowledge about cancer but also inspired his students to approach their own lives and future careers with heightened empathy, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the human condition. His courage in the face of adversity served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The creation and instruction of "CHEM 179" became a testament to his unwavering dedication to teaching, even while confronting his own mortality, offering a unique and invaluable contribution to the academic landscape of Stanford University.

  • cancer
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • teaching
  • professor
  • Stanford University
  • illness
  • work ethic
  • inspiration
  • Human Interest
  • Personal Story
  • Health
  • medical news

  Summary of Comments ( 3 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43186717

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the Stanford professor's decision to teach a class about his cancer journey. Several praise his bravery and openness, viewing it as a powerful way to educate students and destigmatize illness. Some question the emotional toll on both the professor and the students, wondering about the appropriateness of such a personal subject in an academic setting. Others express skepticism about the framing of the NYT piece, suggesting it's overly sentimentalized. A few commenters also share their own experiences with cancer and teaching, drawing parallels to the professor's situation. The potential for triggering students facing similar challenges is also brought up, along with concerns about the blurring of lines between professional and personal life.

  The Hacker News post titled "When This Professor Got Cancer, He Didn't Quit. He Taught a Class About It" (linking to a New York Times article about Stanford professor Bryant Lin's cancer journey and his decision to teach a class about it) generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on admiration for Professor Lin's approach and broader discussions on the nature of education and facing mortality.

  Several commenters expressed deep respect for Professor Lin's courage and his innovative approach to dealing with his diagnosis. They saw his decision to create and teach a class about his experience as an act of incredible strength and a testament to his dedication to education. The vulnerability and openness he displayed resonated strongly with many, who viewed it as inspiring.

  A significant thread of discussion emerged around the transformative potential of education, particularly when dealing with profound life experiences. Some argued that Professor Lin's class likely offered a unique learning opportunity, not just for the students, but for himself as well. The process of structuring his experience into a curriculum could have provided a framework for processing his emotions and finding meaning in his struggle. Others highlighted the broader societal benefits of open discussions about illness and death, suggesting that such conversations can help destigmatize these topics and foster greater empathy and understanding.

  Some commenters shared personal anecdotes about their own experiences with cancer, either as patients or as caregivers. These stories often echoed the sentiments expressed about the value of community and open communication during challenging times.

  A few commenters also touched upon the practical aspects of Professor Lin's situation, acknowledging the pressures of academia and the potential challenges of balancing teaching with medical treatment. They admired his perseverance and dedication to his students.

  While there wasn't a dominant, singular "most compelling" comment, the collection of comments painted a picture of widespread appreciation for Professor Lin's approach to his illness and the broader conversation it sparked about education, mortality, and the human experience. The comments overall leaned towards expressing respect, admiration, and thoughtful reflection on the topic.

• I Met Paul Graham Once

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  Posted: 2025-01-20 11:20:02

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  The author recounts a brief, somewhat awkward encounter with Paul Graham at a coffee shop. They nervously approached Graham, introduced themselves as a fan of Hacker News, and mentioned their own startup idea. Graham responded politely but curtly, asking about the idea. After a mumbled explanation, Graham offered a generic piece of advice about focusing on users, then disengaged to rejoin his companions. The author was left feeling slightly deflated, realizing their pitch was underdeveloped and the interaction ultimately uneventful, despite the initial excitement of meeting a revered figure.

  In a concise yet evocative narrative entitled "I Met PG Once," the author recounts a singular, seemingly inconsequential encounter with Paul Graham, the influential figurehead of the startup accelerator Y Combinator. The anecdote, presented with an almost self-deprecating humility, details a fleeting interaction during a Y Combinator alumni event. The author, attending this prestigious gathering, found themselves in the same spatiotemporal vicinity as Graham, a prominent individual whose writings and pronouncements on startups hold considerable sway within the tech industry.

  The narrative unfolds with a palpable sense of the author's internal conflict. While harboring an admiration, perhaps even reverence, for Graham's intellect and accomplishments, the author grapples with the social awkwardness and perceived inadequacy that often accompanies interactions with highly esteemed figures. This internal struggle manifests in the author's conscious decision to refrain from engaging Graham in conversation.

  Rather than approaching Graham with inquiries about startup strategies or seeking validation for their own entrepreneurial pursuits, the author opts for a detached observation. They note Graham's engagement in discourse with another attendee, seemingly content to be a peripheral witness to the interaction. The author meticulously details the observation of Graham holding a plate laden with sustenance, specifically mentioning chicken wings, painting a vivid picture of the mundane yet somehow significant moment. This meticulous detail imbues the narrative with an air of authenticity, further emphasizing the author's almost anthropological observation of the scene.

  The narrative concludes with a reflection on the missed opportunity for connection, tinged with a subtle blend of regret and self-acceptance. Despite the brevity and superficiality of the encounter, the author acknowledges the lasting impression left by the mere proximity to this influential figure. The encounter, though lacking in substantive exchange, serves as a personal memento, a brief intersection of paths within the dynamic and interconnected world of technology and entrepreneurship. The piece ultimately leaves the reader with a lingering sense of the understated significance that seemingly trivial encounters can hold, especially within the rarified atmosphere surrounding individuals like Paul Graham.

  • Paul Graham
  • Y Combinator
  • startup
  • Venture Capital
  • Entrepreneur
  • Meeting
  • Personal Story
  • Tech
  • Silicon Valley
  • essay
  • Blogging

  Summary of Comments ( 432 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42767507

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely appreciated the author's simple, unpretentious anecdote about meeting Paul Graham. Several noted the positive, down-to-earth impression Graham made, reinforcing his public persona. Some discussed Graham's influence and impact on the startup world, with one commenter sharing a similar experience of a brief but memorable interaction. A few comments questioned the significance of such a short encounter, while others found it relatable and heartwarming. The overall sentiment leaned towards finding the story charming and a pleasant reminder of the human side of even highly successful figures.

  The Hacker News post "I Met Paul Graham Once" (linking to an article recounting a brief encounter with Paul Graham) has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the author's perceived awkwardness in the interaction, Paul Graham's personality, and the nature of social interactions with well-known figures.

  Several commenters empathized with the author's nervous reaction, suggesting that meeting someone as influential as Paul Graham can be intimidating, leading to fumbled conversations. They pointed out that it's easy to overthink such interactions, especially when meeting someone you admire. One commenter even shared a similar experience of an awkward encounter with a famous individual, highlighting the commonality of such situations.

  Others discussed Paul Graham's demeanor, with some noting his reputation for being quiet and introverted. They suggested that his response (or lack thereof) might not have been intended as dismissive, but rather a reflection of his personality. Some speculated that Graham might be more comfortable in written communication than in spontaneous social interactions.

  A few comments focused on the author's apparent expectation of a more substantial interaction. They argued that a brief, polite acknowledgment from a busy person like Paul Graham should be considered sufficient and that expecting more might be unrealistic.

  Some commenters also questioned the significance of the encounter, wondering why the author felt compelled to share this brief anecdote. They posited that the story might be more about the author's own feelings about meeting someone famous rather than anything substantial about Paul Graham himself.

  Finally, a small thread developed around the topic of social skills and how to navigate interactions with prominent figures, offering advice on how to make a positive impression without being overly intrusive.

  Overall, the comments paint a picture of a relatable experience of awkwardness and the various ways people interpret social interactions with well-known individuals. While some commenters criticized the author's perspective, many offered empathetic understanding, sparking a discussion on social dynamics and the pressures of meeting someone you admire.