What kind of kid likes organizing?

A personal confession.

I just got home from a trip, so this week I’m sharing a favorite post from the archives most of you haven’t seen.

I recently received a package of papers my late dad who passed away in 2017 had saved from my childhood. It included report cards, IEP (Individual Education Plan) evaluations, and school work from my elementary school years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen these things before.

What shocked me most was the teachers’ comments. Maybe it’s because I had some concept of free will, that I made choices over my life to shape who I am today. But realizing that I’ve apparently been The Way I Am since the start makes me feel kind of robbed.

A selection of comments:

“Rebecca is exceptionally organized.”

A quote from my writing in the first grade: “I am happy when we take tests. I am happy when I get an ‘excellent’ on my work.”

From my IEP evaluation in 4th grade for what was then called the ‘Gifted’ program: “Modification recommended: Provide schoolwork in advance of class so Rebecca can ma…