Once after a solo scene I did in Acting 101 in college, the professor turned over her shoulder and asked the other terrified freshman, “Did you believe it?”

Then she crossed her arms, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I didn’t believe it.” (1/x)

The “scene” was me brushing my teeth with an actual toothbrush.

For 30 seconds.

College acting professors can get fucked.

If your ONLY feedback model is negativity and “breaking down” students, y’all got some deep personal reflection to do. (2/x)

“Complement and suggestion.”
“Keepers and upgrades.”
“Try this next time.”

There are SO MANY empathy based feedback models. They’re easy and they’re effective. (3/x)

She still teaches that class. I bet she uses that line every year on some poor, self-conscious kid.

If ANY educator in your life “tears you down” during feedback, throw the toothbrush at them. You deserve better. (4/4)

Schadenfreude is http://ratemyprofessors.com 

Addendum: yes, I know this is just like “Nothing” from A Chorus Line. No, that’s not very comforting.

I think it’s grotesque that this is a common enough occurrence that it’s been tidied up into a nice little charm song.