Christy Matte

I was studying electrical engineering at a technical school when I got burnt out on the competition, the lack of “soft” subjects and the anxiety of wondering whether I was passing or failing my classes. I decided to transfer to a large, diverse school (pretty much the opposite of where I started) to pursue a more varied education. One of the requirements for all students was a freshman-level writing course. Each year, the department offered a test for transfer students and precocious freshman as a way to opt-out of the basic writing class. The rumor was that no one ever passed the test. It was very clear that the school was determined to funnel everyone through this course.

I, on the other hand, was determined that I would not be taking freshman writing as a 20-something year old. I was a transfer student, had other interests, and didn’t want to waste my time. Now, I consider myself to be a strong writer and I test well. Perhaps everyone feels that way, but I went into the test with confidence. I zipped off an essay (handwritten in a blue book) that I was extremely happy with.

Not long after, I received word. I had not received a high enough score to waive the writing requirement. I was stunned. And embarrassed. And more than a little outraged. I called up the department head and explained that I had just received my test results. I very calmly said, “I am disappointed to see that I didn’t pass the exam. I was wondering if someone would take the time to sit down with me and go over my essay. I’d love to know what I could have done differently.” They told me they would set up an appointment.

The next day I received another letter from the department. It stated that upon further review, they had decided to waive my freshman writing requirement.

This experience reminded me of a few important life lessons:

1. As long as it’s reasonable (and sometimes when it isn’t), always ask for what you want and need.
2. Don’t be afraid to question authority. Just learn to do it from a place of deference (not because you should have to, but because you’ll get better results).
3. Have confidence in yourself.
4. Just because everyone else has to take freshman writing doesn’t mean that you have to take it, too.

By the way, I remain convinced that they never even bothered to read the essays.