Sweet Revenge Served with a Monocle: How One Student Schooled Her Ableist Kindergarten Teacher
They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but sometimes, it’s served with a monocle, a teaching degree, and a side of pure poetic justice. If you’ve ever been underestimated by someone in authority, get ready to savor this tale from Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge: the story of a little girl who was written off by her kindergarten teacher, only to come back decades later and deliver the most satisfying mic drop you’ll read all week.
Let’s set the scene: It’s kindergarten, the land of nap mats, playdough, and, for one young student, a teacher who clearly skipped the “nurturing” chapter in her training manual. But as you’ll see, underestimation can be a powerful motivator—especially when mixed with a little bit of petty revenge and a whole lot of heart.
Meet Mrs. S: The Gatekeeper of Low Expectations
Our storyteller, Reddit user u/Odd_Freedom9198, had a rough start. Due to speech delays, she didn’t start talking until just before school began. As a result, she wasn’t quite ready for the hustle and bustle of mainstream kindergarten. Her teacher, Mrs. S, seemed to take this as a license to sideline her completely.
While her classmates learned their ABCs and 123s, our future avenger was relegated to playdough and coloring sheets—no math, no reading, and certainly no high expectations. “You’re not smart like them,” Mrs. S would say, “You’re incapable.” Ouch. If you’re already grinding your teeth, you’re not alone.
But what Mrs. S didn’t count on was the tenacity of a child scorned. The resentment simmered, but it also lit a fire—a fire that would burn for years.
The Pettiest Career Day
Fast forward to career day, where five-year-olds dress as future astronauts, doctors, and firefighters. Our heroine? She strolls in as a teacher, monocle and all (which, frankly, deserves extra credit). When questioned by Mrs. S, she delivers a zinger: “I’m a teacher—but not like you. I’m a teacher who will help everyone, no matter what.”
If you listen closely, you can practically hear the foreshadowing music playing in the background.
A Promise Made, A Promise Kept
After that year, she switched schools. But the memory of Mrs. S—and her words—never left. Instead of internalizing the “you can’t,” she turned it into “just wait and see.” Through grit and determination, she earned her degree in both special and general education, focused on helping kids who, like her, needed someone in their corner.
Two decades later, degree in hand, she decided it was time for a victory lap. She called her old elementary school, expecting Mrs. S to be long gone. But fate loves a good plot twist: Mrs. S picked up the phone.
The Reunion: Petty Revenge, Perfectly Executed
After confirming who she was (“I was in your class in 19XX…”), Mrs. S was actually happy to hear from her former student. The conversation took a wholesome turn—until our narrator dropped the news that she’d just landed a job teaching K-2 special education.
Mrs. S was thrilled. “I’m so glad you proved me wrong!” she gushed.
Then came the pièce de résistance: “I told you I could, you fucking bitch.” Click.
If you felt that in your soul, you’re not alone. The comments on Reddit roared approval: “I hope you hung up with a satisfied smirk,” one user wrote. Another chimed in: “That’s the kind of closure we all dream of.”
Why This Story Resonates
There’s something universally satisfying about seeing the underestimated rise above. For anyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t—by a teacher, boss, or gatekeeper—this story is a rallying cry. It’s about the power of resilience, the importance of inclusive education, and, let’s be real, the joy of a well-timed F-bomb.
But beyond the pettiness, there’s a lesson here for educators everywhere: Your words matter. A single offhand comment can follow a child for decades, shaping their self-perception—or, if you’re lucky, fueling their determination to prove you wrong. Let’s hope more teachers aim to inspire, not limit.
Join the Conversation
What about you—have you ever come back to prove a doubter wrong? Did you get your own moment of petty revenge? Share your stories in the comments! And if you’re a teacher: let this be a reminder to always choose encouragement over exclusion. You never know when your student will come back—monocle and all—to show you just how wrong you were.
Have your own tale of sweet, petty revenge? Drop it below or tag us on social—your story might be our next featured post!
Original Reddit Post: the time I proved my kindergarten teacher wrong.