I remember "walking to school, in bare feet, in the snow, uphill both ways" (just kidding). Actually, if I wanted to, I could probably tell you the names of every teacher I had from Kindergarten through High School, not because I'm that good at remembering, but because there are traumatic experiences related to almost every year of school. I can't think of one year off the top of my head that something bad didn't happen. Kindergarten was te year I broke my ankle on Halloween while Trick-or-Treating, and for some reason, I remember being carried into the school for a party for Halloween and I remember getting laughed at by all the kids because my dad carried me into school. First thruogh 8th grade were in a Catholic School--with mostly nuns for teachers---now if that doesn't bring nightmares, nothing will. Which brings me to a question---If these "religous" people are supposed to be excellent examples of the way we should be, why would they ridicule and belittle children who were poor, and a bit different from the other kids? I was a "good" kid, meaning I was a wuz for most of my early years. Self esteem was a charecteristic I did not posess. Oh, I was bright enough a student, but I became lazy and uncaring, because no matter what I did, I was ostricized by the other kids. (nobody likes me, everybody hates me, think I'll eat some worms) (wah, wah---poor Kenny). I never was accepted by the kids, no matter what I did. I was a very good athlete--but no one liked me, I was a good student---but no one liked me. I did everything I could to be nice to people--but nothing mattered. Once in high school, I thought things would change. They did. None of the guys liked me, but the teachers did, and almost all of my friends were girls. I became involved in sports, music and drama (I love to sing, dance and act)---gee, maybe that's why I wasn't liked. Also, I was ill a lot--spent time in a psych ward and almost killed myself. All in all, I guess your typical childhood memories of school. But, looking back, I wouldn't have changed a thing---all of the experiences of that time made me a stronger person in the long run---and I am thankful for the person I have become.
