Teacher's Pet

I was nine and in fourth grade when I got my first pair of glasses. Prior to that, my teacher could not get me close enough to the chalkboard, and as a nerdy-wanna-know-it-all, it was imperative that I be able to read everything she wrote or drew.

The day before I picked up my glasses, I told all of my friends at school that I had a huge surprise for them the next day. As I walked into my classroom, I felt like a changed person. I could see everyone so clearly! I imagined no one would even recognize me, seeing as how I felt like a grown-up in my brand new specs. No one really seemed to care, I realized, as the girl who sat next to me said, “What’s this big surprise you were talking about yesterday?”

“I got glasses!” I said, beaming with excitement.

She slumped in her chair. “Oh, that’s it? I thought you were bringing some of your mom’s cookies or something.”

Even though no one else seemed to care, I wore my glasses everyday. From the first day I put them on, I never forgot to bring them to school as some of my peers did. I have never understood that. Not being able to see when you have the means with which to see?! Still to this day, it drives me crazy when I have a friend who squints and peers while we drive up into the mountains – especially when I KNOW they have a pair of glasses that they left at home.

For some, it is a matter of finding the perfect pair of glasses. Something they feel comfortable and confident in. For me, I have just always wanted to be able to see.