7th grade.

Like a lot of budding, as-yet-undiagnosed trans-women, I'm a science geek at school (when I'm not avoiding the bullies...)

We're gearing up for the big science test -- 1/4 of your grade comes from this one test.

The teacher announces it will be graded 'on the curve.'  For good measure, he explains how grading on the curve works...

As class ends, I suddenly find my desk is surrounded by the alpha bully, two of his senior execs and 4 lieutenants.

They want me to throw the test.  I don't NEED an 'A' on the test -- a 'C' will do.  They enhance their offer with threats of violence if I get a 'B' or an 'A'.

Somehow they figured out they could enhance their grades if they could hold back the best and brightest.

--

Someone once said, "Life is like high school, only with money."  They got that right.  You can be right, you can be the most skilled/knowledgeable/prepared/experienced and STILL lose.

<wuuuf>

Karen