--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I had a professor in college who returned…" description: "\"“I had a professor in college who returned our graded essays, walked up to the chalkboard, and wrote in huge letters: “SO WHAT?” She threw the piece of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f0/austin-kleon-1835_ask-yourself_i-had-a-professor-in-college-who-returne_2147193.png" --- # I had a professor in college who returned our graded… ![“I had a professor in college who returned our graded essays, walked up to the chalkboard, and wrote in huge letters: “SO WHAT?” She threw the piece of chalk down and said, “Ask yourself that every time you turn in a piece of writing.” It’s a lesson I never forgot.” quote by Austin Kleon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f0/austin-kleon-1835_ask-yourself_i-had-a-professor-in-college-who-returne_2147193.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f0/austin-kleon-1835_ask-yourself_i-had-a-professor-in-college-who-returne_2147193.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f0/austin-kleon-1835_ask-yourself_i-had-a-professor-in-college-who-returne_2147193.png) > ““I had a professor in college who returned our graded essays, walked up to the chalkboard, and wrote in huge letters: “SO WHAT?” She threw the piece of chalk down and said, “Ask yourself that every time you turn in a piece of writing.” It’s a lesson I never forgot.”” [Austin Kleon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-kleon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Encourage writers to question the purpose and impact of their work, not just its mechanics. **In simple terms:** Ask why your writing matters. Key Takeaway Focus on purpose, not just form. Themes creativity selfreflection purpose Mood reflective inspirational Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - writing workshops - academic essays - blog posts - personal journals Key Concepts critical thinking authorial intent motivation Questions to Reflect On - How does your work serve your audience? - What impact do you hope to achieve? A Different Perspective Purpose can be subjective, making “SO WHAT?” ambiguous. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Teachers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teachers/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [“Wendell turned to the chalkboard and wrote I AM A WORTHLESS FAT-BODY.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-buckley/wendell-turned-to-the-chalkboard-and-wrote-i-am-a-worthless-fat-body/) [Michael Buckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-buckley/) > [“If you ask yourself 'What's the best thing that happened today?' 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