Gradually, I recognized what most already knew: if you want to do better at school, pay attention and do your work. It wasn’t and still isn’t rocket science, but it was a while before this guy made the connection. I got better at the school way of learning and started to enjoy a slow ascent from the bottom of the grading ladder. Getting good grades and accolades became a way of boosting self-esteem in a context where I felt underestimated and discounted. Things were looking up. Then came the bullies.
