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*Thread* (1/?) Mine was a Glasgow Protestant that took a dislike to me the day he saw an 'English' kid wearing a Celtic scarf. https://twitter.com/EndOfDaysWoman/status/1253764077022838784
(2) He would call me a "Taig" and a "Fenian". He'd walk into me in the corridor. Openly mock me if I answered wrongly.
I dropped English Lit.
I dropped English Lit.
(3) I handed coursework in, and it disappeared or I never got a good grade. English lessons were like being stuck in a room with a bully.
I kept my head down, and like a coward, I never complained. Who'd believe me?
I kept my head down, and like a coward, I never complained. Who'd believe me?
(4) I sat my Language GCSE in 93. I got an E. I stayed on for A levels - Mt HT blagged my parents, telli g them because of my late August birthday, I *had* to stay until the Easter any way.
(5) I had a different teacher. She said there was no way I was an E student. My coursework grades were good. The 1st teacher tried to drop them in moderation, if my name was seen.
In 94, I picked up an A for English Language.
In 94, I picked up an A for English Language.
(6) I was told my the first teacher "You should know your place. Kids like you don't go to university".
I left to join the Army, and remember telling him I wouldn't always be a kid he could push around.
I left to join the Army, and remember telling him I wouldn't always be a kid he could push around.
(7) Aged 23, with 6 years and operational tours under my belt, I did a careers talk at my school. All dressed up in my No2s with medals.
He saw me talking to my Physics teacher in the corridor, turned and retreated to the staff room.
He saw me talking to my Physics teacher in the corridor, turned and retreated to the staff room.
(8) When I walked over to him he went white. I put my hand in his shoulder and whispered gently.
"See? I told you you'd not be able to push me around forever...".
Those they've shaken my hand know how good that grip on his shoulder would've been.
"See? I told you you'd not be able to push me around forever...".
Those they've shaken my hand know how good that grip on his shoulder would've been.
(9) Aged 39, I dedicated my undergraduate dissertation to him. Because, after all, kids like me don't go to university.
Did he change my life? Probably a little. Because I swore to never use my status to belittle someone else - I'd be the one standing up to those that did.
Did he change my life? Probably a little. Because I swore to never use my status to belittle someone else - I'd be the one standing up to those that did.
(10) I still stand in awe of the amazing English teachers I meet, and regret dropping English Lit just to get less time in a room with him.
(Apologies for the clearly autocorrected typos! I'm struggling without my glasses 
Greyhound chewed them...honest!
)
Greyhound chewed them...honest!)
