Earlier today, I tweeted the question, "What's the best piece of advice you ever got from a Principal or other school authority figure?"There were a flood of interesting responses -- far more than I would have expected.
For what it's worth, here's mine: my High School creative writing teacher Mr. Podas saw my passion, and how I suffered for it. He once told me that for every great thing I might achieve in life, I should expect to be greeted not just with kudos, but with an almost equal amount of scorn, insult, and seeming disgust from those around me. He was right -- at the age of 42, I've gotten plenty of applause and been called truly horrible things so many times, little of it surprises me any longer.
There were too many responses to post them all here, but I thought I might share a sampling of what you had to say. Some of these are optimistic, some bittersweet, others hilarious. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have:
"You think all these people are your fiends? In 5 years you'll be able to count them on one hand" #truth
My French teacher -- Do first; apologize later. It's much easier that way!
Christian School AP English teacher, "It is not my place to judge gay people, but I know God wants me to love them."
Follow your own dreams, not your parents, your friends or your significant others. Be what you want to be.
The best advice was taught by example: Example of how NEVER to act as a human being in charge of shaping young minds.
If you're going to smoke cigarettes on the way to high school, don't let your home room teacher see you.
From my HS counselor: "Take college seriously, but don't let your studies drain you of your creativity."
don't get into graphic design - my guidance counselor. i should have listened.
My HS principal stepped btwn me when I was bout to fight. She told me if I fought I would be expelled and all my dreams gone.
a teacher once told me to always stay true to myself and I'm still living that advice :)
My 7th-grade teacher: "Go travel, see the world. The best education you'll ever get is to travel." And I've done just that.
don't eat glue?
"Never pay for porn." - my high school ethics teacher
"The higher you go on the ladder, the more your rear end sticks out, and the more people will take pot-shots at it."
Chem teacher Pat Anderson- "You don't HAVE to do anything. Everything in life is a choice. BUT there's always consequences"
best piece of advice from a teacher: before you leave a club with someone ask for their ID to check their age. #400thTweet
From my English teacher who said: If you want to experience 'life in the raw' go into journalism. I did. He was right.
keep doing what you're doing and be yourself - you're going to do well
"Never let someone else be responsible for your failure." Great advice from an otherwise unimpressive college English prof.
Keep speaking your voice because your voice deserves to be heard no matter others. My HS counselor is the best!
My 7th-grade teacher: "Go travel, see the world. The best education you'll ever get is to travel." And I've done just that.
the higher you go on the ladder... the more people your farts will reach
Invest in dot-coms, they will never go wrong.
Shut up & do your work!
Quit smoking!
"Keep smilin' always :)
I can't remember, but my principal *did* like my Minny Mouse shirt!
Thanks to all who weighed in!!
