There's a certain amount of the would-be martyr in most people of that age (18-25 or thereabouts) but I've found it doesn't show up in the classroom that often.

My personal philosophy (and one that's shared by the school, thank goodness) is one of 'tough love'. That is, I'll bend over backwards and do whatever I can to get a student through their class (and ulimately their program) if they show a willingness to make even a token effort. However, a student is ultimately responsible for their own education and therefore freedom to succeed also means freedom to fail.

Fortunately most students I've met are concerned with doing well in class and for the classes I teach that means understanding the material and doing the work. In my classes, you get the grade you earned.