As it gets close to the end of the
year, I always begin reflecting upon my successes and failures inside of the
classroom. I received a very interesting letter from a senior who I taught last
year in English 11, and I wanted to share this because it really shocked me…
The reason I am writing to you is to say thank you so much. I am thanking you for not helping me out and giving me the grade I deserved the first semester of your class. You have made the biggest impact on me involving school…I was slacking on my work the second nine weeks…The worse (sic) part about this situation is that I knew I wasn’t doing well in your class and I did nothing to help myself. I didn’t even study for the final and you gave us a review for it…Yes, it was official, I had failed the test. What was worse is I had failed the class. I was only 3 points away from passing the class with a D. I pleaded and I begged for you to just round it up and please let me pass. And all you said was “no.” I remember I was so upset with you I went back to my desk and cried. This is when I truly realized I should have done my homework or even studied for the final…Because of you I have learned that I have to work for my grade. Like actually work. And I don’t think I would have learned this lesson if it wasn’t for you and my failing grade in your class. Even though it might seem like I hate you, I don’t. I truly appreciate everything that you have done for me.
Every year, there are those select students who I don’t seem to make a bit of difference with. Lo and behold, someone comes back and proves me wrong. My question to you all is: how has a student ever surprised you when you didn’t think you made any connection with them at all? To respond, send an e-mail to languageartsnm@googlegroups.com. We will add you to our discussion group and respond to all postings.
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