Stop judging me teachers: I dont have to take your shiite on MY newspaper

It is the first day of school and as I walk in to my first period class, I immediately feel the weight of two beady eyes staring me down. I wonder to myself “did I forget to put my pants on today?” This stare from judgmental teachers is not uncommon for many other Egg-Zavier students and I. Generally, I’m that student who is categorized as “weird” and “talkative” and “smells funky.” I’m sorry my house smells like rust and caterpillars, but this does not account for your disapproving smirks.

Almost every opinion teachers base on us is their first impression, and when this comes from a fellow administrator, we have no hopes of redeeming ourselves in their eyes. They’ve already got a set image of who we are based on what they hear in the break room. Telling us to mature when they can’t themselves is an act of hypocrisy, and is punishable by death in many cities in Africa. Instead of doing this, go in to your new classes with an open mind about your students and their abilities.

When older siblings come through who are exceptionally great at everything they do, teachers have the tendency to compare and contrast. In my case, mostly contrast. You can either be categorized as ridiculously smart, or a slacker in school based on whoever your older sibling is. Teachers, remember, we are our own person and would like for you to take the time to get to know us first. When we are constantly being compared to someone we only share genetics with, it’s hard to branch out and be the student we’re meant to be.

Whatever crazy antics we get in to outside of school is already judged by our peers, let alone our teachers. You’ve already gone to high school, so leave your childish behavior behind. Students are embarrassed enough by what they’ve done and don’t need the opinions of teachers past their prime. Just remember, we’re only young once and although we make mistakes, we always learn from them.

Life is hard enough from the pressure we have to be the perfect child from our parents, peers, and friends. All I ask is for you to have an open mind to all students and get to know them before you form an opinion about them.