My AP English class my senior year of high school was going to be intense.
Everyone talked about how the teacher ran her class just like a college class, and that she would write all over your essays.
But I was excited.
Because for years before this class, my English teachers had always passed back essays with: “Great writing, Cali!” written across the top, with a few “good!”s and “nice!”s sprinkled in the margins.
I mean, I knew I was pretty good at writing.
But I also knew I had room to improve, and I was ready for a teacher who could show me how instead of patting me on the back.
So when my new teacher passed back our first essays of the year, I was ecstatic to find her pen markings all over.
“What a fascinating thesis! Do you ALWAYS think this is true though? What about…”
“This isn’t as strong of a reason as your others. Make sure you’ve got evidence to back it up.”
“This concluding paragraph is FILLED with platitudes. Give more substance.”
THIS was what I had been waiting for.
Someone who knew how to push me.
And I loved how each correction also gave me a way to get better next time.
In a much more serious and all-encompassing way, I am also grateful for a Savior who doesn’t let me coast.
One who calls me out with guilt or with promptings when I’m not at my best spiritually.
One who tells me how to get rid of things that don’t belong anymore.
But my favorite part?
“Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance”. D&C 95:1
He always prepares a way for us to change.
Not just: “Hey, you’re doing this wrong, hope you can figure out how to fix it!”
But He has PREPARED and PLANNED a way for us to improve.
He has already sweat and bled for the consequences, and now He invites us to get back on the right track.
I’m grateful for a writing teacher who helped completely prepare me for writing at the college level by teaching me how to be better.
And I’m even more grateful for a Savior who takes the time to chastise me, and prepares a way for me to become even more like Him.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
6 Responses
Awesome analogy and even better attitude.
Editors can’t help writers if they are unwilling to accept feedback. Those that do, have tons of areas where they can work on improving their compositions and writing. In the same way, the Savior helps us.
He works to not just improve our writing but magnify and enhance our whole lives now and into eternity. His role is perfecting us–not because we are good but because he is God.
We are his work and glory.
Yes! Thank you so much for sharing!
I was was that high school English teacher who took the time to compliment, encourage, and critically evaluate. From so many years if laborious writing, I now have full blown arthritis in my hands. I know I made a difference in some, maybe many. Daily I prayed that I would be an influence for good. The Savior was my example.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m sure your extra efforts made a difference for many students. I know it was a sacrifice, but I’m sure those encouraging words meant the world to some kids. <3
Hi Cali! Here’s another fan letter… I used to grade and evaluate high school papers, both AP and college writing. Your comments indicate a tremendous maturity, hence you are where you are today because you wanted to stretch and improve. Kudos to you! But I loved your post, because, like many, you relate a life experience to the scriptures and gospel in such a simple and relatable way. Good writing, I believe, isn’t about complicated sentences and sophisticated vocabulary, but rather about being able to communicate ideas – even complex ones – in ways that anyone can understand. The Saints books are an excellent example of this. Keep up the good work! I have no doubt you are inspired to do this at this time. I know it must be challenging with all of your other responsibilities as wife and mother, etc. but you are doing a great work!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate all of your kind words. <3