A sub-species

I have been working at the university for years.

Considering I started university in 1990, it has been 35 years.

During this time, I have worked with the country's most intelligent and educated people.

I have had many mentors.

I sincerely thank my professors who supported my early academic progress.

In the meantime, despite all the education I have received, studying in America—which I believe Turkish universities are not far behind—managing European funds with ease, and being relatively successful, there were still those who treated me like a "sub-species," even if they were low-profile individuals themselves.

There was one elderly professor in particular who would pass by me every day and wouldn't even grant me a nod of greeting; yet, when he became a dean candidate, thinking "every vote counts," he moved past the nod and almost started kissing my cheeks, even though it was obvious from his every gesture that he was disgusted.

Back then, there were dean elections as part of democratic efforts, and it was a godsend for "sub-species" like us to be treated like human beings.

When I saw US special envoy Tom Barrack insulting Lebanese journalists by telling them to "behave civilly" and "not behave like animals," I was reminded of the days when I was a "sub-species."

Barrack also added, "This is the essence of the problem experienced in this region," while looking into the faces of the "sub-species."

Even though I have spent half of my academic life, there are still those who make me feel like a "sub-species," even if they are low-profile.