sorry guys... I'm complaining again.

Today I got the grade for my second project in photography back.  I worked hard on this project and I stressed for weeks about it only to find out that I got a D.  I was obviously kind of discouraged at first but I know that I did my best on this project and the grading part is out of my control so I'm cool with it. But. If I didn't think he would fail me out of spite (not that it matters because it looks like I'm going to fail anyway) and it I wasn't so afraid of conflict and confrontation I would like to say a few things to him.  I think this is what I would like to say:


Dear he who must not be named,


I have the same feelings about your teaching as you do about my (first ever attempt at film) photography. I wish someone would tell you that teaching at a University level isn't just about proving you are the all knowing authority on your subject.  A teacher is successful when they foster a desire to learn and improve in their students.  I get that feeling more from my boring food science class than from your class and I happen to love photography.  Instead of inspiring and encouraging your students you pressure, embarrass, and discourage your students.  I have no problem handling criticism, especially from my teachers and fellow students but you seem to have forgotten that you are teaching photo one... which implies that the people in the class have little to no experience with the subject, so maybe you should grade with that in mind.

Sincerely, 
One of your "D" students

Dear Mom,

Wouldn't I look good on this bike?  I've been thinking about it and I'm sure that if you buy this for me it will win me a husband or two.  That's a good enough reason for you to buy it for me right? If not I'll think of another one to try out :)

Sure do love ya! 

Kori

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday!! I really wish I could have been there to celebrate with you and give you your birthday present but since it has to wait I'll just show you a picture so you can get excited.

Love,

Kori

Dear Kori, (some advice from the not so emotional side of my brain)

You are a pretty shy person and something I've noticed that you do whenever you are alone in a new place or situation is that you stand in the background and take your time to figure out how things work and what is expected before you get comfortable and feel apart of things.

This week, feeling like a loner, you have been reading "Travels with Charley." In the book, Steinbeck is trying to find "America" because he had been living in New York for 25 years and, as he says,

"New York is no more America than Paris is France or London is England..."

Kori, you are in the same situation. You've been living in the shelter of your parent's home and working in the comfort of a family owned office for a little less than three years and now, you're back in a situation that most people your age would call "reality" and it's new to you, so you walk around campus and you spend a lot of time observing people and things.

Naturally, this "observing" thing instead of participating has made you feel like a loser but I don't care what everyone says,

you aren't a loser.

You're just new in town.

So Kori, keep things in perspective... this won't last forever and at some point in everyone's life, they will feel this way too. It's like breaking in a new pair of shoes, at first it's uncomfortable but after a little time, you don't even notice they're there. So there you go, I've given you all my good advice.

Sincerely,

Kori

To clarify:

Mom...

don't worry about me. I'm ok. OK?

Dear Britten,

Since I am the second oldest in our family, I feel like I should give you some advice before you marry and live with Erin. For both your, and Erin's safety.

Erin is an easy enough person to live with if you know how to deal with some of the things she does. For example, if she doesn't have a job or any reason to get up and SHOWER in the morning, she won't. I know of a time when she went about a week and a half without showering, and I think she changed her clothes maybe once in that time span (which included sleeping in those clothes). The best way to deal with that is to stop it at the beginning, give her a reason to shower at least once a week.

Another thing you need to watch out for (and you've already had an experience with this)is any hair removal product. KEEP THEM ALL AWAY FROM HER. You know what happened when she tried to wax her legs, it wasn't pretty was it? But one thing you don't know about is the time that Erin put Nair on her head like it was shampoo. Ask my Mom about that time, it wasn't pretty either. Sometimes we wonder if that incident is the reason for some of the comments she makes like, "Madrid?... that's the country next to Spain isn't it..." or "Spencer, your depriving a starving country somewhere of an idiot..." So yeah, it would probably be best if you hid the hair removal products up high enough so that only you can reach them.

OK, well I guess that's good for now. I'll fill you in on some other things that will help you in your marriage with my dear Air Bear later!

Love,

Kori

Dear _______ ,

I don't understand you, I've tried to for a while now but I always end up going in circles and ending up with these three possible conclusions:

1) You have brain damage.

2) You do these strange, illogical things intentionally to get revenge for something I did that I cant remember. Your ultimate goal must be to make me go crazy and end up in a padded room somewhere.

3) You are not human.

I think that #2 or #3 are the most likely. If it's #2 you have almost succeeded. If it's #3 I will try to be more patient with you.

I just thought you should know.

Sincerely,

Kori