Bad habit Quote by Francesca Zappia
““Eliza. I need to borrow you for a little while.” Mrs. Grier has a bad habit of grabbing the first student who walks through her door when she needs something, and today I’m the unlucky plebe she gets her happy teacher hands on. She beams at me, looking the picture of joy in an unseasonal yellow sundress and earrings shaped like bananas. I ease my arm out of her hand so it doesn’t seem like I don’t want her to touch me. I don’t mind Mrs. Grier. Most days I like her. I wish I had her for an actual class instead of just homeroom, because she doesn’t make me talk if I don’t want to, and she counts showing up to class as your entire participation grade.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “A Day in Homeroom” by Francesca Zappia, 2023
A teacher’s over‑involvement can feel both supportive and intrusive, blurring boundaries between help and control.
In simple terms: Teacher’s help can feel too close.
Key Takeaway
Set clear personal boundaries with supportive adults.
Themes
education
boundaries
teacher‑student dynamics
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
advice
personal growth
When to use this quote
- homeroom
- first‑year college
- mentor relationships
Key Concepts
autonomy
power dynamics
social comfort
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you politely assert your need for space?
- When is it appropriate to ask for less involvement?
A Different Perspective
Boundaries may be hard to enforce without offending the teacher.
