Doug Engelman is a Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida and an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa. Doug teaches sociology and covers many topics within the realms of society and culture.
One of his students in his sociology class, Dylan Romero, is one of the more enthusiastic students. “Dylan is a very engaging and animated student — he talked a lot in class and I encourage a lot of discussion,” Engelman told BuzzFeed.
Earlier this semester the class was having a discussion about culture and religion. That’s when Engelman asked Romero if his du-rag is a cultural symbol. Romero said he doesn’t wear his du-rag because it’s part of his culture, but rather part of his lifestyle.
This then started a running joke between the two of Engelman wearing a du-rag. Until Romero made the joke a reality.
He showed up to class last Thursday a tad late with a gift bag in hand. In front of the whole class, Romero gifted Engelman his very own du-rags and showed him how to put it on.
So a few weeks prior, My Professor was teaching us about different cultures & ask me “Dylan why do you where a durag? Is I️t a part of your culture?” I️ told him “Na, It’s my lifestyle”. So a few weeks later, I️ surprised him with his own durag to become part of the lifestyle. pic.twitter.com/8ulbaLvrr4
— d (@Dylo_________) December 1, 2017
It was a really great moment of sharing and learning from student to teacher as opposed to the other way around. Romero’s video went viral and all the responses have been nothing but positive.
This is a W for all cultures
— Jags 2021 SB champs (@THATS_FlNE) December 2, 2017
I love how he was willing to learn and wear it. Didn’t say anything weird or offensive, took his time. I hope his waves makes the students sick in his lectures.
— LaLa KuSHH (@_LalaKushh) December 2, 2017
"Ight, class open up ya books to page 52. Today lesson on duragology"
— Moy (@MoBidness) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/MzAuburnBeauty/status/936759364194652165
so heartwarming!!! we need more teachers like this who are willing to let their students teach them once in awhile. This is definitely a lesson on compassion and acceptance. i love it!
— Az (@layzloulou) December 2, 2017
Coolest teacher ever 😭
— Proph 2.0 (@Thekidproph) December 2, 2017
Spread the culture 😂 pic.twitter.com/0slEhSxaLl
— linda flynn-fletcher (@x_jjh1) December 3, 2017
Rmero didn’t just gift Engelman the du-rag for the culture though. He told BuzzFeed, “This man changed my mindset in life in a whole different way while being in his class and I couldn’t thank him enough. I thought, Let me get him his own du-rags so he can remember me when I’m gone.”
