"Differential Diagnosis"

[Read Part 1 of this story]

“I saw her giving you money at the beginning of class.? What’s going on?” This was it, the jig was up! The teacher hovered around my desk waiting for my response as I frantically tried to come up with something to tell her.

She knew too much for me to lie at this point, so I came clean.? I told her all about my business and how profitable it had been for the past few months, and how her use of candy had created this lucrative business opportunity selling to those that simply weren’t smart enough or cared enough to make the top 3 grades. I breathed a sigh of relief as if this huge weight had suddenly been lifted off my shoulders.

The English teacher took in all the details with silent nods and stood in silent thought for several minutes after I had finished my explanation. Finally, she spoke. “While I have to give you credit for having such a great idea, I can’t have you selling the candy that I give you. Some of the students have complained to me and a few other teachers about this. I may just have to stop rewarding you guys with candy if you continue to sell ???em.” Just as I thought, my cash flow was about to be abruptly cut off.

Suddenly an idea sparked! ???How about if you cut me off from any rewards as a ???punishment??? for my actions, this way you won???t be blamed for providing candy for me? to sell during class.???? The teacher was surprised at my statement, why would a student opt out so as not to punish the others by completely removing the candy stash? The answer was easy and actually proved to be one of the best business decisions I ever made, despite my lack of understanding of economics.

A week or so went by and it finally came time to get back a graded English test. Knowing very well I would once again score among the top 3 in the class, I knew this would be the moment everyone was waiting for. Would I still get a trip to the candy drawer after being busted?? Would I attempt to sell the candy if I got any? Had the candy drawer been removed because of my sales?

She called out three names and as usual she asked us to come up to her desk. The evil little girl who sold me out got her choice of candy, followed by my new friend Ferny. I was third in that line, and when it was finally my turn the teacher said, ???Remember what we talked about last week after class? You???re banned from the candy drawer, but good work getting top 3.??? I slowly made my way back to my desk with my graded test paper in hand as everyone watched the once mighty candy salesman return with out his stock of sugary sweets.

As I sat down at my desk, my usual customers turned eagerly towards me and simply stared. With a huge grin on my face, I passed a few notes their way. It read, ???Would you like to buy some candy???? As they each turned to look, I briefly opened my backpack and flashed them its contents. It was now stocked full of the very same kinds of candy the teacher kept in her drawer, but instead of maintaining a very limited supply refilled every test or special assignment, I would now be fully stocked at all times! Immediately my usuals sent back my note with their order written on it and their money folded neatly into the note. My business had just expanded, but this was only the beginning???

1. Andhari says:

   June 12, 2009 at 10:41 am

   What? How did you get the same candies?:D

   Reply to this Comment
2. Dani says:

   June 12, 2009 at 2:43 pm

   That was a good business move to buy your own supply of candy…hope that it worked out better for you then depending on your teacher to reward you.

   You’re hilarious…I love that you did this!

   Reply to this Comment
3. ScoMan says:

   June 12, 2009 at 4:57 pm

   Excellent idea. And this is only the beginning? I’m now thinking of the prospect of you taking on employees, having henchmen set blow up the competition (the cafeteria) and eventually being like a sugary Don of your school.

   Reply to this Comment
4. Justin says:

   June 12, 2009 at 10:36 pm

   Haha. Very clever! I can’t wait to see how you outsmarted everyone. Very well written my friend.

   Reply to this Comment
5. ChinkyGirLMeL says:

   June 14, 2009 at 5:16 pm

   Hahahahaa..You’re so clever! =)

   Reply to this Comment
6. “Differential Diagnosis” » Middle School Business: New Backpack & New Idea says:

   June 16, 2009 at 11:09 am

   [...] [Part 2 of this story] [...]

   Reply to this Comment
7. OmegaRadium says:

   June 18, 2009 at 11:06 am

   @Andhari I went out a bought a few packs of them at the store with the money I earned prior.

   @Dani Thanks, I too feel it was a great business move on my part.

   @ScoMan Henchmen & sabatage? Stay tuned…

   @Justin & @ChinkyGirLMeL Thanks!

   Reply to this Comment
8. “Differential Diagnosis” » Middle School Business: Imports says:

   June 23, 2009 at 11:45 am

   [...] [Part 2 of this story] [...]

   Reply to this Comment