One day during math class in response to a question from Mr. Tehrani, and possibly with a promise of some kind of reward, everyone raised their hand. In our enthused state and trying our hardest to get Mr. Tehrani’s attention, many of us stood up in our seats with our arms erect and extended. Mr. Tehrani asked everyone to take their seats and seeing no results, followed it up with a threat of forcing anyone who remained standing to stand for the rest of the year. Four students refused to take their seats, welcoming the challenge of continuous standing even as Mr. Tehrani emphasized their punishment as he wrote their names down. Three of the students were Lamehpour, Eghbali and Hamidayne. I was the fourth.

We were moved to the back of the class so as to not block anyone’s view. At first the four of us were thrilled about it and enjoyed the curious stares from our classmates during class as they glanced back to see if we were indeed doing this. However, towards the end of the second day fatigue seemed to set in and the decision appeared to be a mistake. The other three students went to Mr. Tehrani pleading for forgiveness and their seats back. Mr. Tehrani came to see me and notified me of their request and asked me if I would also like to be included in it. Possibly in an effort to extend my vacation away from Tabatabayi, I refused.

An open letter naming the three students (clearly written by Mr. Tehrani and only signed by them) was read to the class and when no objections were voiced they were given their seats back. This in itself solidified my position as a class rebel and the only holdout although I would only last a few more days before I finally caved in. In a read letter strikingly similar to theirs, I also earned the right back to sit again.