Dear Former Student Who Made My Life Hellish,

You were AWFUL to me. I felt so very disrespected each time we interacted. You told me that school was completely meaningless to you, English was a waste of your time, and you were just going through the motions; I told you that I wanted to make it meaningful for you. I remember writing you a heartfelt note in your journal and you laughed and tossed your journal to another boy so you could laugh together. When I realized what was going on, I grabbed the notebook and slammed it on your desk. My heart was racing, and it was the most angry I have ever been in a classroom. It actually scared me a little because I felt so out of control; I cared FAR too much. You were a sophomore. Sophomores are jerks.

I told you once that I thought you would find your place in college. It would feel less like jumping through hoops and more like a place where your brain could be challenged and you would meet your intellectual peers. You laughed at me and told me that, as soon as your compulsory schooling was over, you were done with this shit. You don't fit the mold, and there's no way you're ever going to college. Ever.

It's been a year since you graduated from high school. I did a little Facebook spying because, well, you crossed my mind, and I wondered what you were up to. It turns out that you're registering for college classes, and you just so happen to be writing a book. I wanted to send you an "I told you so" message, but that would be prideful and lame. You already thought I was lame enough. I do wonder, though, if you'll ever remember that teacher who wanted, so desperately, to make school meaningful for you.

I hope good things for you.

Love,

Ms. McGowan