I recall junior high school as a particularly awkward time for me. I had started school a year earlier than all my peers and as a result, was emotionally a year behind all of them. I always felt that I did not quite fit in at that time. And looking back on that time now, it was because I didn´t.
On top of all of that, I had an older brother who had gotten straight A’s in the fifth grade, and so all I ever heard at home was that I would never be as smart as he was. I find this ironic, as I was placed in advanced Reading and English while in elementary school, a year ahead of my peers and two years above my age level. But once again, being emotionally behind those students by two years did not help my self-confidence.
I remember earning a “C” in a math class in the first 8th-grade grading period and making an off-handed comment to my math teacher that I could get an “A” if I wanted to. She dismissed my comment out of hand, and I made a bet with her, though I did not take it too seriously. The next grading period, I did earn my “A,” and then the following grading period, once again earned my standard “C.” Needless to say, she took me to task for not trying hard enough.
However, a friend of mine later that week told me that some teenagers in another math class were making fun of me behind my back, and true to her style, she took them to task. She stated that I was a lot smarter than I let on, as I could do anything I set my mind to. It was the first time anyone ever stood up for me by saying that I was smart.
I went on to think about her comments that night and actually began to put forth the effort to do better, as I was smart after all. It was soon after that I made my first honor roll and then high honor roll. I eventually graduated from high school as part of the National Honor Society. That one comment she made changed my life.
I do not recall ever thanking her directly, but I did pass on a message to her as an adult through another teacher who knew her. You never know how a compliment can change someone’s life, even if made when they are not around.
So now I return the favor. Mrs. Calhoun, if you ever read this, you were an excellent math teacher, and your compliment was the boost I needed. You changed my life for the better. Thank you.
Unspoken Theology 