Seventy Eight.

I've never gotten a C on an essay before. In fact, I have difficulty recalling a time when I earned anything less than an A. It's not the grade that upsets me, for grades rarely upset me anymore. It's simply the fact that writing is what I adore, what I treasure, what brings me joy. To be told that you don't excel in the realm you care most about is incredibly discouraging.

I don't wish to excel in writing so that I can be the best, I just want to feel valuable. I realize I'd be foolish to let one meaningless grade deplete my confidence, but it's hard to not be upset.