The (negative) power of the word "but"

Sel It must be a matter of personality then. I found that I could do nothing meaningful in classes where teachers belittled me.

My favourite teacher was Mrs Castle who took me under her wing, realised that I was finding maths very difficult and gave me exam papers to practice on during the holidays My appalling maths always held me back in end of term exams (in junior school) and it was due to Mrs Castle that finally I achieved first in class out of 48 pupils.

Thank you Mrs Castle (though she's probably long since dead), for boosting my confidence and making me see that, with some encouragement and hard work I could be as good as anyone else.

It's true what they said in those old TV adverts, a good teacher is never forgotten.

Eloethan I agree, a good teacher is never forgotten, no one can argue with that. Funnily enough my maths improved tremendously too but for the opposite reason. I was scared and that spurred me on to try and figure (pardon the pun) things out for myself.

No one can deny that schools are much happier places now and methods of teaching much more compassionate but I am not sure that translates into required skills. A lot of young people sadly have expectations which don't match those of potential employers.

I know I am generalising but I do think a bit of tough love doesn't harm and respect for authority, even if tinged with a little fear, is no bad thing.