Forgive me sisters, for I have sinned. It’s been 40 years since my last confession.
In high school, I was suspended three days for skipping algebra. I’d bang away at quadratic equations, but graphing was where I drew the line. If I had a dollar for every time algebra helped me, I’d have 3x-q dollars.
Hindsight and wisdom has shown me how easily I got caught. I repeatedly missed math in the third period. You can’t attend the first two classes, then have a daily dentist appointment before lunch. Turns out I did need some schoolin’.
The extra time was used to hang with friends, cruise for boys, or sneak down to the butt lounge. Yes kids, back in the day nic-o-teen was allowed inside the school. To this day, the smell of Du Maurier lights takes my breath away.
By midterm, my mark was 32% and falling steadily. When Mr. Hnatiuk finally narced on me, I was the reality star of my own shit show. The Vice Principal and my Mom were harsh judges.
A birth, a death, home life, and straight up stupidity created the perfect asshole. I was immortal, untouchable and didn’t give a shit.
The silver lining was that my teacher [who wasn’t a dick after all] used his free time to tutor me at lunch, bringing my grade up to 64 by finals. I could actually C the degree!
To absolve me of my sins, I was put on suspension, not to set foot on school grounds for three days. One more unexcused absence would find my ass shipped off to Notre Dame.
Penance was served at home. No friends, no phone calls, no social life for a month. I wonder if our geometry forefathers saw the irony of putting a square cap [and gown] onto a round head.
So, cheers to Mr. Hnatiuk and all the other unsung heroes, doing their best with ungrateful little bastards like me. Your summer vacay is just around the corner!
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AWESOME story 🙂
Seems like a million years ago, hey?!
I remember that! Scared us all straight. If a straight C student is getting suspended – the rest of us didn’t stand a chance! Good times…
Haha! I didn’t give an F, but I got a C. Who’s laughing now!
Ahhh high school and those teachers brings back ………… memories I Enjoy your blogs, Lori.
Thanks Denise! I remember counting the students in each row to see what question I’d be asked. Good times!
I can relate. Math was never my strong suit either. Turns out I married my tutor! LOL!
Now, that’s a story we should explore over a glass of wine!
OMG that was so kinda me in high school confidential lol Never got grounded cause my parents were never home.
You were the baby of 4. Parents are done caring by then!
Love this! So many memories. It’s comforting to know I wasn’t the only one constantly in trouble both at school and at home.
I are a good student…
What a beautiful soul you have become…
Mr. H
Thank you Mr H!! You helped me turn things around at a very pivotal point in my life.