I Failed Writing...But I'm Still a Writer

One thing you may not know about the teaching profession is that we are often students ourselves. Throughout the year, we attend countless hours of professional development, trainings, and classes.
 
This year, many of our teacher in-service days have been focused on writing instruction. I’ve enjoyed implementing some of the new strategies into my classroom, and it’s been so nice to see my students excited about writing. One of my students recently shared, “I am special because I’m a good writer.” Identifying himself as a writer was such an encouragement to me because, as a kid, I never saw myself as a writer.
 
At times, I still struggle calling myself a writer. In fact, at our one of recent trainings, it came up that I’m a blogger. Our instructor said, “Oh, so you’re a writer.” I was so hesitant and said, “I guess so.” Others in the room spoke up and said, “Yes, she’s a writer.”  
 
Sometimes we need others to help us see the gifts we have.
 
Words of encouragement can turn doubts into confidence. 
 
Why have I been hesitant to call myself a writer? A few weeks ago, I was looking through some childhood scrapbooks, and I came across a paper that was folded. I opened it up and saw the results of my 9th grade proficiency tests. Back then, these were the tests you had to pass in order to graduate. The first thing I saw on the paper was that I had failed the writing portion of the proficiency test. Yep. I failed.
 
For an overachieving, straight-A student, this was not only shocking at the time, but it was embarrassing. It also caused me to doubt myself as a writer.
 
But now, looking back at that failing test grade, I laugh. I laugh because something I failed at is now one of my strengths. Ironic, isn’t it?
 
I wish I could go back and tell my 9th grade self:

• Just because you fail at something does not make you a failure. It makes you human.
• A test score does not define who you are.
• Struggles come before success.
• Weaknesses can become strengths.
• Gifts and talents take time to develop.
• Your words are still important. Share them.   

 
That failing score may have shaken my confidence, but I kept writing anyways. I’m so thankful I did, because I would later discover that writing gave me a safe place to express my thoughts.
 
Writing helped me regain my voice, and it would also help me encourage others to use their voices.
 
Hearing my students call themselves writers makes me smile. After all these years, I can finally say, “I’m a writer too.”

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How has writing impacted my life? Check out these blogs:
​
Pages of Love

A Blog About Blogging 
​
The Reasons I Write