Success despite degradation

DEAR AMY >> Due to an undiagnosed learning disability, I graduated from college with a couple of C’s and one D on my undergraduate transcript. Hardly a pictureperfect finish.

Fast-forward a few years and I realized that I wanted to become a science teacher.

I approached College A to begin a teacher licensing program and was accepted with the caveat that

I meet with the department head.

The meeting was one of the most degrading experiences I’ve ever had. He was aggressive, rude, and condescending to me. He told me: “You will never be a good science teacher with a grade like this.”

He made it clear that he would not work with me. I left feeling that I would never escape the failures of my past.

I later approached College B and was accepted on a probationary basis.

One year later, not only did I graduate the teacher licensing program with flying colors, but I returned to that school for my master’s degree and graduated with a 3.9 GPA.

I have worked as a highly qualified teacher for almost a decade now, working with low-income students.

I have helped to improve our school’s science scores on state standardized tests, and families frequently tell me their students are excited about science.

As a teacher, I cannot imagine putting my students through the type of degrading experience like the one I had with the department head at College A.

I looked it up and he is still working at the college.

I feel strongly that this man should know how his words and actions could affect an aspiring student.

Should I write to him (or the college) and let them know of this experience?

— Wondering Teacher

DEAR TEACHER >> You deserve a lot of credit for persevering through discouraging challenges and achieving your goals. Your students are lucky to have you as their teacher.

I think you should go ahead and write a letter to this professor. Frame your experience as a “lesson.” Give him credit for inspiring you to prove him wrong, and for providing you with a great example regarding the kind of teacher you have been determined to be.

Keep it respectfully worded.

I suspect that after you write this letter, you may decide not to send it. Writing it will make you feel better. You will see that you’ve already conquered this longago demeaning encounter — and you will feel less of a need to prove it.

DEAR AMY >> Regarding “Old Messy House Dweller,” the website for the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers lists professionals who assist people with downsizing, selling, moving, etc., in terms of culling and disposing of possessions.

A search by an individual’s ZIP code will provide of local consultants.

— Helpful Hinter

DEAR HELPFUL >> Yes! Here’s the website: nasmm.org.