During my time in the university, I would always arrive early to the lecture hall because, in my department, we were over 300 students and most serious students would always fight their way to the front seat, once you got late, it meant you would be sitting with the bad guys.

Well this part got my attention while reading your post. This was how I became the best student of the year in my department. I'm was always in front. Those at the back make a lot of noise and I don't like it. So, I will try to come early and sit in front.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post today.