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Zelda's avatar

Gorgeous essay. I hate that I too remember unhelpful feedback from university instructors I didn't even like, long after they have any impact on me.

(one of the design teachers accused me of being angry all the time and letting this color my feedback, when what I actually was was deeply depressed and realizing I was on the wrong path. but that's a story for another therapy session)

I like the pivot at the end very much.

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Emma Tattenbaum-Fine's avatar

Years later, when I taught acting to high school students, I was struck by how delicate you have to be. To separate out constructive feedback from like … therapy-style stuff you notice, as an empath, in the kids. I did it for 11 summers but as I got older I found it too emotional and said — this age group isn’t for me. At least at that time.

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Julie's avatar

Bravo, Emma!!!! So love this for so many reasons. The third person cracks me up, too, and I wonder if perhaps he “knew” you would think of his words forever. ;)

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Emma Tattenbaum-Fine's avatar

lol thanks Julie! I was thinking about that today. he was kind of a dick but honestly lots of my fellow students did some of their BEST work in his class so… But as you know, improv is just the best. I have had many other acting teachers who were so much more useful than him, but you gotta love the trolls! they come into your life for a reason, i guess.

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