It all started with an email.

Prior to break, I wrote my professor an email addressing a problem I was having with our class' courseware. Frustrated with the constant "Access Denied" box that appeared with my every attempt to enter my dropbox, I was feeling slightly frustrated.

In his reply, my professor offered to talk to OIT and get my courseware problem straightened out. He assured me that everything would be fixed in just a few days.

However, unlike most replies from most professors, my professor closed his with a genuine — and quite unusual — question: "How are you?"

I was stunned.

I could not remember the last time a professor asked me how I was doing. Without reference to the class or the homework or even the courseware, he sought to make a connection with me. He showed legitimate concern for me and my well being. He cared!

There are more than 70 students in our class, and he knows everyone's name. Since day one, he has made an honest effort to be our friend.

Unfortunately, in the mad rush to get as much done as possible in as little time possible, we often forget what it feels like to be a human. We forget how to interact with each other.

My professor remembers — and everyday he reminds us to interact with the humans around us. Perhaps it is only fitting that he is a professor of ancient Chinese philosophy, a study that focuses intently on the perfectibility of the human being. In a sense, he is living his own daily lessons.

For example, the philosophy of Xunzi urges followers to imitate the example of "the right person." My professor is the best example on this campus of "the right person." He represents the link between teaching and leading.

In congruence with followers of the Mohist tradition, my professor extends love and compassion to everyone. His heart has no limits.

And unlike Mengzi, who recognizes that all humans have the capacity to harness The Way (although most will not attain it) my professor has faith that we all will find truth. Today after class I spent an enlightening 20 minutes with him, discussing some important issues outside of the class topic. He made himself available for me to help me find my own truths.

There are a handful of professors I've had during the past 2 1/2 years who significantly impacted my personal growth, but ever since that particular email with my philosophy professor, my expectation for Notre Dame professors has risen dramatically. Professors should show sincere concern for their students. Professors should care.

My Chinese philosophy professor is a Sage King for our time. He is a leader and a teacher and a follower.

• A Sage King of our time