To My Teacher Who Doubted I'd Get Into College
Start writing a post
Student Life

To My Teacher Who Doubted I'd Get Into College

"I soared above him." - Alison Bechdel

180
To My Teacher Who Doubted I'd Get Into College
Irina Lessne

Dear Mr. C,

Hey, remember me? Irina? Yeah, the girl you said who would never amount to anything and would only be able to get into community college. It's me. I'm here to tell you a few things, so listen carefully. When you told me I wouldn't be able to attend a four-year college, that only made me even more determined to prove you wrong. Yes, I have a learning disability, but that does not limit my possibilities or put a damper on my potential.

I'm the girl who always loved school yet whose grades never reflected my intellect. I studied my hardest but always struggled with test taking, especially when it came to multiple choice assessments. I knew the correct answers but would second guess myself if I penciled in 3 "B's" in a row because in my mind that simply couldn't be correct.

When it came to essay tests, however, I always got top marks and did much better when I was able to explain myself rather than responding to multiple choice, fact-driven questions.

You see, when you told me (multiple times, might I add) that Montgomery College was bound to be the next step in my educational career, you crushed my spirits a little bit but also motivated me to soar past your expectations and achieve bigger and better things. I want to add that there is nothing wrong with going to community college.

It just wasn't for me. I knew I was destined to go to a four-year school and even when I made my list, you tried to tell me that my GPA (3.2, not half bad) wasn't high enough and that my skills weren't advanced enough to pursue a bachelor's degree.

That's where you're wrong, Mr. C. I've had to overcome obstacles my entire life. I spent the first year of my life in an orphanage and have spent my whole life struggling with an invisible, but ever-present learning disability. You limited me based on my diagnosis but I'm here to tell you something.

I did go to a four-year institution.

I got all A's and B's without any assistance. I even made Dean's List. I was in a sorority and was involved with a fitness and nutrition club. I did all these things and more and it's all thanks to you.

When you told me I wouldn't be able to attend a four-year college, that lit a fire under my butt and made me even more determined to prove you wrong. I hope you realize I was successful in college and I hope you don't deter other individuals, like me by convincing them that they aren't able to amount to anything simply because they have a learning disability or are in resource classes.

I hope you know that I am where I am, in part, because of you . . . because of your belief that I wasn't college material.

So as I sit here and submit the last pieces of my graduate school applications, I think of you and I smile, because I am exceeding not only your expectations, but mine as well.

You may have limited me but at the end of the day, I have learned something very important . . . that I am in fact, limitless and you can't take that away from me even if you try.

Sincerely,

A Student Who Has Risen Above Your Sub Par Expectations

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59009
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38109
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959597
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196287
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments