The Glasses That Helped Me See
In the seventh grade, I started to wear glasses.
I was athletic and popular, but I was terrified that these glasses would change my identity and make me look like a dork.
The first day I brought my glasses to school, I didn’t take them out of my backpack.
Later, when everyone was busy taking notes, I would discreetly hold my glasses on for a second, and then remove them.
To my embarrassment, my teacher, Mrs. Manzone, called attention to my new glasses in front of the class.
But the next day, when I returned to class without my glasses on, she said, “You look better in glasses.”
Later in the week, when I wasn’t wearing my glasses and answered a question incorrectly, she quipped, “Why don’t you put on your glasses?”
This banter went on for a few weeks.
She was slowly easing my self-consciousness.
Gradually, I began wearing my glasses for longer periods of time, learning to feel comfortable with myself.
If not for her, I may have struggled to see the board in all my other classes for a long time.
We all have the opportunity to be Mrs. Mazone as a parent, coach, or friend — our actions can shape identities.
All it takes is a little encouragement and sometimes playful nudges!