Esther Wojcicki on Adversity

The speaker reflects on the impact of teachers on their education, noting both positive and negative experiences, particularly in elementary school. They faced challenges due to their inability to sit still and their tendency to talk and share ideas, which led to disciplinary actions. A particularly negative experience involved being placed under a teacher's desk to prevent talking. This experience motivated the speaker to envision a future educational system that fosters creativity and interaction among students, making school more exciting and fun.

What was a major challenge the narrator faced in elementary school?

• Reading comprehension

• Sitting still and talking with peers

• Participating in sports

• Understanding math concepts

How did the narrator's teachers respond to their behavior in school?

• They ignored the behavior

• They sent the narrator to the principal's office

• They provided extra help

• They encouraged more interaction

What unusual punishment did the narrator experience in school?

• Cleaning the classroom

• Writing lines on the board

• Being sent home early

• Being placed under a teacher's desk

What was the purpose of placing the narrator under the teacher's desk?

• To prevent them from talking and collaborating

• To give them a quiet place to read

• To reward them for good behavior

• To help them focus on their work

What did the narrator promise to do in the future?

• Create a system to foster creativity and interaction

• Start a school for gifted children

• Become a teacher

• Write a book about their experiences