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!