To My worst teacher ever:
You were my junior year honors English teacher, and you still have yet to give me a reason why you absolutely despise me. The first day of school you picked me out of the group and ridiculed me because I hadn’t read "Macbeth." I am willing to bet that half of our class hadn’t.
I still haven’t read "Macbeth," and because of you, I never will.
Two weeks into school, you pulled me out into the hallway and scolded me because I had the lowest grade in the class. I had a 93 percent.
Your hatred for me only grew as the class went on. Once, you asked me to stand at the podium. You used this opportunity to publicly shame me. You went off because I used the word “lexicon” wrong in one of my papers. I used it correctly, you just don’t know what lexicon means. This roast session went on for about ten minutes until my classmates told you that I was correct.
Halfway through the year, you told me I wasn’t cut out to be a writer. I have dealt with your insults up to this point. I came to class mentally prepared every day for any confidence I had to be shattered. But this was a new low. I asked you if I wasn’t fit to be a writer, how was I in this honors English class. I also made the point to share that my previous (honors) English teacher was so moved by my writing that he asked my parents to come in so he could share it with them. If I am such a terrible writer why would he have gone out of his way and used his time to do that? I’m still waiting for your answer, and it’s been two years.
You called me an idiot in class daily, despite my grade being an A. There was a time where you went beyond the academic slander and told me my hair was too long for your taste. I asked what that had to do with the class. You gave no answer.
I still have yet to find out why you think I am unintelligent. Nonetheless, I forgive you for all the times you’ve publically made me cry and for all the times you’ve made me question my writing ability.
A teacher is supposed to build the confidence of their students and help them succeed, I hope you’ve realized that by now.
I want to thank you for motivating me to pursue my career as an author. My first book is completed and I am starting the second. I go to a wonderful liberal arts school as a creative writing major. I was angry for a long time, but not anymore. You gave me a lot of spite, and spite gives determination. I only hope that you’ve gotten all your anger out on me and treat your students with respect.
Thank you for calling me a disappointment each day. You were the worst teacher and the best motivator I’ve ever had.
Yours,
A (soon-to-be) New York Times best-selling author
