Don’t let the world lie to you.
Dear one,
So, you used AI to write your essay. You don’t see the problem with it, you tell me. What you don’t say, at least not with your words, is that you’re exhausted. I understand – I’m exhausted, too.
You and I – we weren’t made to live like this. Everything is happening so fast. Ideas, news, trends, social causes – they are in your hand, in your pocket, the moment they occur. There is no time to sit and mull things over. There is no time to think.
You don’t want to waste your time writing a stupid essay that AI could write better, you tell me.
You and I live in a world that values production and perfection over the human person. From an early age you were asked what career you wanted as an adult. You feel acutely that your grades are dictating your future, that doors are closing. There is no time to take the risks necessary to learn. And perhaps there is no point in learning if AI can do it for you, anyway.
You have learned that all of life is a means to an end – and to what end? You have learned that you are what you produce – so what happens if what you produce is not “good enough?”
For this, I am deeply sorry. I wish I could suspend the pressure for long enough to let you breathe, to explore, to make mistakes without fear. Learning will always involve mistake-making and frustration. It’s safer to let the robots take the risks for you. But there is dignity in hard work, and satisfaction. There might even be joy. Who knows?
Someone I admire deeply once said, “What you do matters, but not much. Who you are matters tremendously.”
So, who are you?
I know, sensitive question.
Let me tell you what I see: you are limited. You are learning. You are good. You are loved.
So, I place the essay back in your hands. I hope you will take this opportunity to lean into the challenge of researching, writing and formulating your thoughts; more than learning how to write an essay, I hope you will discover what you can create (aren’t you curious to find out what you’re capable of? I know I am!).
Don’t let the world lie to you. Don’t cheat yourself of the possibility for joy.
With great hope for you,
Your English Teacher
