Yesterday I called homes and talked to various parents. One call involved a girl I’ll call “Mimi.” Mimi may need glasses. I’m not positive. She said she did, but maybe she just wanted to sit next to a friend. It’s early in the year and I haven’t identified all the nearsighted bodies out in my room. I nevertheless called home and suggested to her parents they make an appointment to see if she needs glasses.

Mimi has always been a quiet, attentive girl. Today, she decided to toss wrenches into the classroom works. She talked so much I had to write her up and send her briefly to the Dean. She kept ignoring directions, occasionally darting angry glances in my direction. I’m pretty sure I know exactly what is happening: Middle school girls hate glasses. Parents buy them. The girls lose them, step on them, or whatever else will ensure that the foul, plastic appurtenances never again cross the bridge of a nose. Mimi’s mad at me alright.

Eduhonesty: I hope this situation doesn’t continue too long. I don’t know yet if Mimi’s the type to hold a grudge. If she gets glasses, I’ll get the blame.

Still, the truth is that I’m smiling ever so slightly out here. That’s part of being a teacher (or a mom) that comes with the territory. Yes, you don’t like it. I understand. You need to be able to see the board, however, and your life prospects will not be dashed because you are wearing spectacles. You might even like being able to see.

One of the great mysteries of middle school has to be the many, many girls who lose those glasses, preferring to muddle their way through a blur in order to be pretty.