Too bad it doesn't pay to tell the truth.

I had a parent call me today and ask me why their child made a "C" in my class. My response was, "Well, his verbal commentary on everything that we read in class is 'this crap,' so he might not be putting his best foot forward."

Their next question was, "Has he turned in all his work?" He had. That question was followed by, "Then what's the problem?"

This is where I'd love to respond with, "The problem is I don't teach 'Junior Turning in Stuff,' but 'Junior English,' so what's written on the page is somewhat important." Unfortunately, I can't be that blunt.

Fast forward ten years.

"Petrson, get in here! This report is non-sensical! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"But, Boss... I turned it in!"