I have never felt so compelled to write a blog until this one. I hope you’ll take the time to read it.

In February, I attended the funeral of Dr. Milton Tucker. I doubt you know Dr. Tucker, who taught biology for 40 years at Freed-Hardeman University. I want to share two brief but impactful conversations he had with me. Neither of these conversations took more than five minutes, but the impact has lasted for decades.

I was preparing to head home for Christmas break at the end of my first semester in college when I received a message that my professor, Dr. Tucker, wanted to see me in his office before I left. I was sure he would suggest that I cheated on the exam. My defense was going to be that if I had cheated, I would’ve made a better grade.

I sat down across the desk from Dr. Tucker. He asked me a simple question: “Eddie, did you do your best in my biology class?” Shocked at his question, I explained to him that biology was not my major. He asked me again, “Eddie, did you do your best in my biology class?” And again, I explained that biology was not my major. Then, he asked me to do something odd and somewhat insulting: “Will you take my class over next semester and do your best?”

I got up and walked out of his office, though I do not remember exactly what I had said to him.  His request did not sit well with me. I returned to my dorm, packed my car, and headed home. It was a five hour drive, and I thought about his questions. I could not believe he asked me TWICE if I did my best and to take his class again. I was sure that retaking his biology class would not benefit my career in the slightest.   Well, January came around, and I re-enrolled in his biology class. While I don’t remember my grade the second time, I am sure it was better.

Five degrees and decades later, I was invited back to campus to be honored as the alumnus of the year. A full audience gathered for the ceremony.  As I accepted the award, I noticed Dr. Milton Tucker standing at the back of the room. After almost everyone had left, Dr. Tucker approached me, shook my hand, and congratulated me. I asked how many students he had called to his office and challenged them to repeat his class and do their best. He answered maybe two or three. I asked why he had challenged me to retake his class. He replied, “I wanted you to feel the joy of doing your best.” I will never forget those words! Few days have passed since then that I haven’t asked myself this question: Did I do my best?

Those two short conversations have dramatically impacted my life and career, perhaps more than any other words in my life. Whatever impact I make on our important industry is due to Dr. Tucker’s question and his comment on the joy of doing our best.

I know Dr. Tucker could not fully appreciate his impact on my life. There is satisfaction in concluding that your efforts were your best, not that others will see the difference. Only we fully know the difference when we give our best.

Few days have passed since then that I haven’t asked myself this question: Did I do my best?

A straightforward question, “Eddie, did you do your best in my biology class?” One fantastic statement, “I wanted you to feel the joy of doing your best.”

May this simple blog challenge you to do your best and enjoy the feeling that comes along with the effort.

I hope it has been helpful to you. I did my best.

copyright 2025, R. Edward Thompson