These are images of quizzes I took in 3.091, Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry, in the fall of 1980.

One is my very first exam at MIT, and getting 49 out of 100 was a soul-crushing experience. I can still picture the TA, Leszek Pawlowicz, PhD ’87, returning my paper. He had a big smile on his face, and he said something to the effect of “I expect to see you double your score on the next quiz!” 

Well, I got the message. Studying at MIT was not like studying in high school, but I got 100 on the next quiz and graduated with good enough grades to get me into grad school. All it took, it seems, was that initial kick in the seat of my pants, then a kind hand helping me up off the ground.

Recently, I connected with Leszek, and he replied with a charming note. It felt good to let him know how much his encouragement meant to me. A good TA can really have lasting impact!

Read more at www.technologyreview.com/alumni-profiles.