I find it really hard to objectively assess how much of my reaction to a student's rude message is me power tripping versus me responding as a human who thinks there are social norms and rules to be followed. Like, for instance, You shouldn't just announce to me that You will come to a different section of my seminar. I think this should be phrased as a question. There is actually no problem with coming to a different section of the same course. We have enough chairs. It's not a logistical issue, and of course I'm going to acquiesce, if asked. So why do I want to be asked? Because I want my power to be acknowledged? That seems like a stupid reason.

Anyway, because this chick has already missed more classes than is allowed, I have to figure out an extra assignment for her. I'm going to make it a goddamn effortful one.