The first class of the semester garnered me two things from the instructor, Professor Polakiewicz—need I remind anyone, “Professor-Son-of-the-Pole”—a compliment on my moustache and a new form of address, Pan Josh. Pan is the Polish masculine titular, meaning “Mr.,” “Sir,” or “Lord,” as in Pan Tadeusz, Poland’s signature epic poem by Adam Mickiewicz. Okay, so, a younger Josh has just joined the class, and a certain distinction is now required. But don’t tell me it has nothing to do with moje polskie wasy, moje dobrze ubranie polskie wasy, “my well-dressed Polish moustache(s).”
