Name-Calling- a Confidence Booster

I'm not a fan of name-calling. I despise it with a passion. Who are you to think you know my story? However, this past week I was called two different names all in the matter of an hour. And it was all by one individual...a woman I respect greatly. It gave me such an enormous boost and my confidence went through the roof.

I was sitting in my English class about 10 minutes early this past Thursday. I was reading, as is my habit. My professor walked in and made a joke about seeing who the eager students were. I laughed and she said "You're laughing. Have you not been called an overachiever yet today?" (This is a 9:20 am class.) Overachiever? Oh wow! Then, she proceeds to say, "You worry so much about your performance, but you shouldn't!" *jaw hits floor* She took my breath away. 

I've worked hard for my right to sit in this classroom. I've busted my butt to be in the seat. Am I an overachiever? Quite possibly. I do worry about my performance in a space where performance counts. After all this time, when this semester ends, I will have accomplished something I never thought possible...I will end this semester with a 4.0 GPA. After all the struggles I've had with the various classes on this campus, I've found my way!

Then, class began. We were to write a take-home quiz on the topic she had given us on Tuesday. My topic was to prove that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a sexist book. I almost cried when she gave me the topic. This is one of my favorite stories! I had decided that I didn't need the grade (which I didn't) so I wasn't going to turn it in. Of course, who does the good doctor call on first? That's right...me! So, I explained how it was hard for me and how I worked hard to find the flaws that I prayed wouldn't be there. She told me that I really had some good points and she was enjoying my struggle because that means that I'm growing. When I told her that I had this epiphany, she laughed and said "Congratulations! You are now a true English major!" Again, I almost cried! It's true! I'm an English major and I've been baptized by a woman I consider to be one of the best. 

Two names were used by one person whom I admire. In the time it took for her to teach us, she blessed me in a way that she may never fully understand. 

I love it when readers read my blogs, books, etc., and tell me the parts they fell in love with. It means I'm doing something right. I love it, too, when the readers get frustrated and upset because, again, I'm doing something right. Then, to have this woman, a professor who I aspire to emulate someday, tell me I have what it takes to succeed...I'm doing something right!