When asked to write an essay about what he misses from his childhood, a 17-year-old foster child’s response was nothing short of shocking. His brutally honest answer? ‘Nothing.’ This teenager, who’s had a tough start in life, sees his past as a series of obstacles he’s overcome, and his future as a beacon of hope and opportunity. His teacher, however, wasn’t quite ready for this raw honesty and failed him for not ‘answering the prompt’. As he faces the choice between honesty and a passing grade, let’s delve into his compelling journey.
A Tough Start in Life ️

Looking Forward, Not Back

The Future Holds Promise

The Essay Prompt

The Unexpected Response

The Power of Agency

The Power of Choice

The Controversial Verdict

Defending His Stance ️

The Looming Dilemma

Caught Between Honesty and a Passing Grade: A Teen’s Dilemma
This 17-year-old foster child’s candid confession about not missing anything from his childhood has stirred up quite a storm. His past, marred by hardship, has only made him more determined to seize the opportunities that come his way. His future, he believes, holds more promise than his past ever did. But his teacher’s refusal to acknowledge his unique perspective has put him in a quandary. Should he stick to his truth and risk failing, or should he lie to pass? As this young man grapples with this dilemma, let’s see how the internet has reacted to his predicament…
Commenter defends OP’s essay, suggests seeking help from counselor or principal
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/611b81c4-3e03-4f8e-88ab-6ecdef1c4d9a.png)
NTA: Teacher’s lack of empathy sparks controversy among commenters.

NTA. Writer shares honest essay, facing unsupportive teacher. Petty revenge ideas!

NTA. A teacher’s support and advice can make all the difference

NTA. Multiple approaches to navigate unfair grading and traumatic childhood.

Social worker offers empowering advice to foster child.

NTA: Perfect essay written, but teacher failed to recognize it

NTA, go over the teacher’s head. Rewrite prompt or complain.

NTA. A brutally honest essay about a f**ked up childhood.

“Better teachers in childhood vs. today’s dullard. NTA. “

NTA! Stand up for yourself and report that jerk teacher!

Inspiring essay about a tough childhood, teacher deserves criticism.

NTA – Embrace adulthood, it’s better than childhood!

A heartwarming comment about a supportive teacher and acceptance ❤️

NTA: Foster parents should know about teacher’s unreasonable demand.

NTA, talk to your principal and foster parents for support. ️

Engaging and controversial comment about missing childhood experiences.

Defending a classmate’s painful truth: NTA, some people are oblivious

NTA. Honest essay sparks controversy, but teacher is an a**hole.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/e57cb47c-f6be-49ed-9b49-c6a1dd560e94.png)
Masters student sympathizes with essay writer’s negative childhood experiences. NTA

Brutally honest essay sparks controversy, but NTA for speaking truth.

Embracing the irony of loving a childhood filled with insults!

NTA, teacher lacks empathy. Speak to someone who can back you up.

Seek guidance from school authorities for a**istance

Supportive comment defends student against insensitive teacher.

“INFO what this backstory part of your essay? If so your teacher is an a-hole and you should ask for a second opinion. If not, rewrite the essay but start with the list of what your childhood was. Perhaps what you miss from childhood is the opportunity to have a healthy and happy childhood, because that was taken from you.”

Empathetic comment supports student’s need for trauma-informed education ❤️

NTA! Your essay was thoughtful and your teacher lacks empathy

NTA, fight back against unfair consequences with the right support

NTA. Traumatic childhood, clueless teacher. Stand up for yourself!

Heartbreaking childhood experience challenges privileged woman’s perspective.

“NTA. Teacher needs to take SEVERAL seats and leave you be about it. “
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5c913bf9-9d54-4fde-a1b5-1265af744010.png)
NTA, English teacher should encourage critical thinking, talk to counselor.

NTA. Teacher mocks student’s honest book review in front of class.

NTA. Seek support, share your truth, and advocate for change.

NTA. Inspiring response to insensitive teacher. Share with principal/counselor.

Engaging comment about dark childhood memories and twisted humor

Standing up against unfair treatment in school can yield results.

Is this the hill to die on? Three choices explained.

NTA, seek support from trusted adults to address unfair treatment.

Seek support from your school counselor or social worker

NTA, it’s okay to not miss anything about childhood

Honest essay prompts were tough for me, too.

Teacher wants a lie? Write about unicorn battles against goblins!

Curious about the commenter’s grade, but NTA judgment stands!

Defending a student against a terrible teacher with sarcasm

NTA, write a heartfelt essay or play the game for a decent grade.

Teacher rejects reality of non-ideal childhood, commenter not the a**hole

NTA, use satire to show your teacher how clueless she is
