As I was sitting on the cramped airplane, frantic passengers were finding their seats and diligently trying to stuff oversized carry-ons into too-small compartments. The plane was packed with people headed to their Christmas destinations, and I was exhausted from a long day of exams, packing and traveling. 

As we neared takeoff, the flight attendant began her usual spiel, “… seatbelts are securely fastened … tray tables in their upright locked position ... etc., etc.” She continued, “In the event of a loss of pressure in the cabin, air masks will dispense from the ceiling of the aircraft. Be sure to put on your own mask before assisting another.”

Wait a second ... what? We are supposed to help ourselves first? It almost seems anti-American, but if you think about it, it makes sense. How can someone assist another passenger with a mask, if he doesn’t have one on first to be able to breathe?