Touching essay, I was so relieved to read that you escaped that horrible class. I expected your teacher to trump up some reason to fail you in an attempt to ruin your life... but these bullies are always cowards. I've been finding it very difficult to readjust my thinking on American history, and every time I write an article that inspires another round of insults and death threats, I feel I've taken another step (it's every day). Thanks for writing!