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Yeah, I really did.

Backstory: I'm taking a class on transcultural health care. One of our first assignments - first assignment for points actually, was, well, here's all the direction we were given: "Using multiple resources, comprehensively define the following terms:" Real specific, huh? So there was a lot of different interpretation. Some people felt that "comprehensively" meant all-inclusive, half-page to page long definitions (guess which one I did? Of course, I did quite a bit of editorializing, too). Others thought that dictionary definitions - clear, succinct, but fully defined - were what the teachers were asking for. When the profs were approached for clarification, they just said, "Do the best that you can."

Well. Half the class failed. Literally. When protests were made in class, they were ignored. When requests to earn back points were made, the teachers basically said, "forget it." And then they said, "fifty points out of four hundred isn't that big of a deal." And they weren't too forthcoming with hope that the next assignment would have a rubric (or even three sentences of direction) attached.

Needless to say, that Pissed. Me. Off. Granted, I got 98%, but it was fairly obvious that my paper wasn't read. See, for assignments like this, with everyone basically (usually) turning in the same stuff, well, the teachers never read them. So I drop in Shakespeare quotes, movie quotes, etc. (my little sister writes, "I love cheese," "I hate peas," etc). They never get picked up on. This time was no exception. My point is, half the class was failed because the teachers didn't read the papers, they just didn't like the paper setup.

So, I did the scariest thing I ever thought I would ever do. I wrote a protest letter. I basically told the teachers, "We do all this work, you'd better reciprocate. We want mutual respect and courtesy, because you obviously aren't affording us that." It was much more tactfully worded, of course, but we basically let the teachers know that we weren't going to lie down and let them disrespect us that way. I say "we" because after I wrote the letter, I called the students from the class together, read the letter, and said that anyone who wanted to could sign it. I got twelve signatures (out of around thirty students, and only about twenty were there), and delivered a copy of the letter and signatures to both profs. It terrified me. I was literally shaking with fear and anticipation for an hour before I made the announcement. Even now, talking about it, I've got knots in my intestines.

I know I did the right thing. I thought about it for three days before going through with it. I'm actually a bit proud of myself for doing it. I just can't believe that I did it. That never used to be me. I was always the quiet one who never considered stirring the pot. I'm, well, to be honest, a bit scared of the repercussions. I have no idea what I got myself into. I'm going to be holding my breath until Monday (when the class next meets).

Things like that can be pretty nerve racking, but I am sure that it will pay off in the end. Hope it goes well for you.

that was a good thing to do, and i hope it pays off the way you hoped..

I think that it is an amazing thing that you did! I congratulate you. Not only for telling your teachers something they really needed to be told, but for taking a step forward for yourself on a personal level. That is wonderful and I commend you for it. Regardless of the repercussions you have done something for yourself that was very positive. Don't let the turkeys get you down!! *shakes fist in the air*

Wow, they asked for the papers back, that is singular, I have never heard of that happening before. I think you really made a difference. I hope you don't get yours back with a lower grade though, that would stink.

Often, in doing the right thing is consequently both the bravest and scariest thing a person can ever do. Like umar said, as small as this achievement might be in the grander scheme of things, it is something that will ultimately push you forward. Good work.

I don't think you will be reprimanded too harshly. If they do adjust your score, at least it will happen in a context that better fits the intentions of your idea that hard work can only ever be reciprocated/rewarded by equally hard work. It can only serve to inspire.

No problemo! Just ace that class and you're square with us! biggrin

No no, she has to ace it, or we'll martyr her along with Liz!!