It is difficult to isolate this to specific experiences, but overall the greatest impact was made by teachers who took the extra time to work with me and make me feel good about my abilities.
Cindy,
41
VA USA
Enduring eight years worth of twisted nuns, and later being beaten senseless during racial riots just because I was white. Oh yes, school was a marvelous experience for me.
Fisch,
47
Preston, CT USA
I was a "brain" who lived on "Snob Hill" and hence subject to a great deal of bullying. I still have a dislike and distrust of unfamiliar crowds
Jill,
61
Saylorsburg, PA USA
How mean the kids were in grammar school. I was the child that was picked on. I have no tolerence when I hear that kids are picking on someone. If I found out that my kids were to do that, their lives would be over. They would have no privlages for a long time.
KarenNJ,
45
Milltown, NJ USA
I was sending it in for a question to be posted.
Janet,
46
E. Brunswick, NJ USA
Running various organizations.
Jane,
63
West Linn, OR USA
The
camp I went to was during my school years, and it had a huge impact on
me--I'm still in touch with some of the people I went to camp with. You
can find out more about that at http://www.karen.hart.net/sep.html. As
for actual school--I switched from a small school
district to a much larger one when I made the transition from junior high
to high school. That
really changed my life. I learned that there was so much more out in the
world than I had ever seen. Some of my teachers in high school really
made a difference in my life. Two of them were a married couple--both
of whom had been married previously--with tons of enthusiasm, and they
were just a really great pair. It made me feel like second chances are
always possible.
In middle school, my PROSPECT (TAG) classes were important to me because
I felt like a person in them instead of like a geek. We had some really
great projects to work on, and I appreciated that. School-associated trips
to New York City, Ireland, New Mexico, and Iowa Lakeside Labs all left
me feeling enriched. I met one of my best friends in high school and got
to know my husband during college. SO many things affected the course
of my life during school, and I feel like I'm a better person for having
had such varied experiences at such a young age.
Karen,
24
Ames, IA USA
The friendships that I formed.
Laura,
38
Lowell, MA USA
From
high school - the friends I now have
From undergrad - a world view
From grad school - an appreciation of how ideas are formed and transmitted
Felicia,
37
Lowell, MA USA
How to make friends and how to read.
Janet,
46
E. Brunswick, NJ USA