"From the very beginning, school separated itself from the "real" world, whatever that was. School might be artificial, but failures can always be made up. Falling short was expected. Professionals worked to raise people up. School is about first and second and third chances. If you are not the champion, you can be the most improved. If you are not the hardest worker, you are still a snowflake, unique and valued.
Unlike the real world, safety nets fill the school. It doesn't always work this way, but the bullies are the villains, not the victors, and the teachers are not bosses who are trying to fail you."
James Van Pelt, The Hareton K-12 Country School, Interzone #248, 2013.
