The Grade Is Mightier Than The Pen

(The school offers high school level math classes to middle school students if they prove to be advanced. The class is divided into two parts: one to organize and grade homework, the other to learn the lessons. At this time, I’m in sixth grade and struggling with the organization part due to ADHD. I am the youngest student in the class, and have been told I must have my homework checked by the teacher before I leave the class. This day, we have a sub. I hand in my homework…)

Me: “Can you check me, Miss. [Substitute’s Name]?”

Substitute Teacher: “Sure, Hun.”

(The substitute teacher adjusts her glasses and looks at my problems.)

Substitute Teacher: “Well, Hun, I can barely read your work.”

(I am deflated, and afraid I have to redo it all again.)

Substitute Teacher: “But, you got them all correct! You’ve already got the handwriting and smarts down to be a doctor!”

(That was the most encouraging thing that was ever said to me while I was in middle-school. Six years later, I graduated 13th in my class, with honors, heading off to work on a computer engineering degree at a well-known university.)