Me, Misunderstood

To the Teacher Who Thought I Wasn’t Enough

Photo by Henry Storck on Unsplash

There’s always that one teacher people call “strict” or “harsh.” Most of the time, we laugh it off — “that’s just how they are.” But when you’re the one constantly on the receiving end, it doesn’t feel like a joke. It feels personal.

I had one such teacher. She never said I didn’t belong — not outright. But her tone, her comments, her comparisons… they stayed. And they hurt.

One Small Moment That Didn’t Feel So Small

There was this one time it might seem small to others but it stuck. She asked if I could dance at our seniors’ farewell. I said no, respectfully. Not because I didn’t care but because I really can’t dance. I told her honestly: I’d feel silly, and I didn’t want to make a joke of myself in front of everyone.

Her response? “Then why do you even come to college? To laugh with your friends?”

I was stunned. I wanted to say: Yes, sometimes. Because they’re funny. But also — I paid for this seat. I came here to study, not perform.

It was a small moment, but it told me everything about how she saw me.

The Day That Still Echoes

Then came a day I’ll never forget not because it was meaningful, but because it broke something in me.