As a graduate student I’ve written a lot.I’ve written book reviews and research papers. I’ve written a master’s thesis. All these were done for an exceptionally limited audience in a very different style.A few weeks ago when I was asked to write an extra column to help out a co-worker who needed to study, I never dreamed it would elicit the response it did.Contrasting  the mostly negative comments on my column, we never expected anything for free and were happy to pay to help the stray cat. We were just asking for the school to work with us a little. Though the Vet School does admirable work, I didn’t feel we were given the consideration we deserved and decided to make our situation available for public consumption.Unfortunately, you can’t demand consideration and compassion without first being willing to show some yourself.In writing that column, I performed one of the greatest journalistic mistakes. I didn’t contact the Vet School, any Vet students or any member of its faculty and offer a chance to respond. I simply believed as an opinion columnist I was writing precisely that — an opinion-angle and didn’t need to contact anyone.I was wrong.I would like to say that if I offended or upset anyone, it was not my intent. I want people to know I’m sorry for the way I handled writing that article and failing to give you the opportunity to have your voice heard.In the midst of all that negative attention, there were many kind words and e-mails sent to me.There is one, however, that stands out.  As I came in to the newsroom one evening for our weekly meeting, our editors handed me an envelope. Enclosed was a card with money explaining how the story of the injured cat touched them and that they wanted to help.  In the midst of this kind negative attention, this unexpected kindness and generosity was appreciated and exceptionally touching.—-Contact Matt McEntire at [email protected]