In grade 12 we were supposed to mark another student’s work for English class. I was very harsh on my fellow classmate and gave her a C. She brought this to the teacher and the teacher gave a heartfelt speech to the class on how disappointed he was. He said that this was supposed to be a chance to have fun and support each other. He was disgusted with my critical grade and comments that he even threw a book against the wall in total rage. I felt horrible at the time for what I had done…especially because I thought I was doing the right thing. That memory stuck in my mind for over 25 years, but I never understood why it bothered me so much until today for some reason. My parents had neglected me my whole life, all I ever had were teachers. That’s the only kind of love I ever knew and all I cared about was doing what I thought would make my teachers happy. When that teacher was disappointed like that, it broke me. At that point I thought being a little #$%^ teacher’s pet was the only way to be loved. If that is not how you do it… I have nothing left. I was hanging on by a thread thinking a teacher giving me a good grade and smiling at me with approval was love. I never fully picked myself up after that, it wasn’t the teacher’s fault, he was just the last thread. That’s why it’s 25 years later and this is popping into my mind now, there is so much mess that I got myself into walking around like that. If you ever come across someone like me in your life, if anyone ever treats you like crap, remember, it’s because their life is totally messed up and it really has NOTHING to do with you…Here’s my second chance… Good job! A+ Your story was awesome, it was a pleasure that I had a chance to read it. Keep up the good work!
