OHIO!

I'm in Ohio! I know! Yeah, pretty awesome place to go on vacation right? I thought so.

Anyhoo, this post is courtisys of Best Western and their free internet stuffs.

Some guy at Crackerbarrel wouldn't stop trying to sell me a fathers day shirt.

I told him my father was dead.

Then the lady waitress person offered me a chrildrens activity book! So much for trying to look mature.

The highlight of my day was when we sat next to a guys soccer team at some rest stop.  :)

And now, I am here, in Ohio, becasue old people can't drive all the way to N.J which is odd because my brother did today, so he can be there a full 2hrs before us.

Anyhoos, while dealing with anger for being forced to go on this trip of doom, I wrote one last E-Mail to McIver.

She wrote back.

 

Dear Mrs. McIver:

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            As a former Maple Crest student, I’d like to say how much I enjoyed my middle school years. Quite possibly some of the best in my life. I would also like to tell you that you were the single thing making my life absolutely miserable.

            It seemed as though no matter how hard I tried, you just put me down. So guess what? I stopped trying. This was not a good decision on my part, but no matter how hard I worked, I never seemed to understand what was being said. Let me tell you, your mocking really helped that problem.

    As relations between us became worse and worse, I noticed that while my project would match another students, their grade would be higher then mine. While, this may or may not have been intentional of you, and I can't really say I blame you, it's just not cool to someone who'd really like learn, believe it or not.

    And you probably don't, because you never liked me, and I get that. Because I never liked you. But that's not what bugs me. You never listened to me, you never tried to help me, you just wanted to make yourself look good, and so you also lost my respect.

    I was not mature in your class, nor was I cooth. But you hardly acted better. I remember distinctive incidents when I would have the correct answer yet you'd say it was wrong until you came up with it yourself. You were always so freakishly perky, and there was no need. In all honesty, the students, including myself, would have related to your more had you acted like a normal person, not some pretend perfect one.

    Because no offense, but your far from perfect, as is everyone. So why not embrace that? Why not accept the fact that your not always going to be happy, accept the fact that some of us had more trouble getting things? Because I honestly tried so hard, and it honestly made no difference when you told me I hadn't.

    Because telling me that "The class has been doing this for 2 months, everyone understands!" Doesn't help me get a good grade on the test, it doesn't help me study, it doesn't make me feel good about myself.

            So while I thought I was doing worse and worse, I stopped trying. Now looking back on it, I realize it was all in my mind, and if I had just kept at it I would be taking Spanish II with the rest of my friends. But now I am not, and I know that I am partly, if not mostly to blame for this.

            However, I am young and immature so I’m going to blame you. Thanks for making me self conscious, depressed, and lacking in self esteem.

            I know one thing, I’ll never forget you.

 

     Thanks for your note. It has provided insight into the workings of my classroom. From this, I will endeavor to make some adjustments in regards to dealing with students as well as the way I approach some of the information that I present. My desire is that you succeed despite all the negative things that transpired in our class over the course of the year.       As for your personal attack of being "freakishly perky" I am not offended. This particular trait is misunderstood by almost everyone- young and old alike- who does not share in its treasures. You will not understand it but you will encounter others who share in my inner joy and peace. I hope you can find it in your heart be kind to these people. It will make a difference for you both.      Have a good summer and please be safe. I look forward to following your outstanding accomplishments in high school and beyond.   Take Care, Sra. McIver   P.S. Virginia, you forgot to sign your name but you used great voice! Remember, I'm an English teacher first:)

 

Don't be fooled, in real life she is not taht intelegent.