When “Tell Me Your Worst Memory” Goes Wrong: A Petty Revenge School Assignment That Changed a Teacher’s Mind
We’ve all had that teacher: the one who means well, but gives an assignment so tone-deaf you wonder if it’s a psychology experiment in itself. One Redditor, u/ThrowAway44228800, recently shared a tale from their high school AP Psychology class that’s equal parts cringe, clever, and—ultimately—cathartic. Spoiler: sometimes, following instructions to the letter is the ultimate act of rebellion.
If you’ve ever wanted to see how a “petty revenge” can spark actual change in school policies, buckle up. This story has it all: questionable assignments, awkward conversations, and the sweet satisfaction of a lesson learned (for the teacher!).
The Assignment: “Inside Out” Meets Oversharing
It was the end of the school year, and the AP Psychology class had already survived the exam. Time for some well-deserved coasting, right? The teacher, in her first year teaching AP Psych, decided to show Pixar’s “Inside Out”—a movie about memories and emotions—and then assigned the class to write and illustrate their “core memories.” The twist? Students had to share both their best memory and their worst.
Cue the record scratch.
Our Redditor, then an undiagnosed autistic senior, immediately felt uncomfortable. Forced vulnerability? On a graded assignment? For a classroom of 17-year-olds who had just finished a major exam? Yikes. Like most of us would, they politely asked if they could write about two good memories instead. The teacher, channeling her inner bureaucrat, insisted: one good, one bad.
Choosing Petty Revenge Over Pointless Protest
Faced with this emotional minefield, there were options. Some might’ve gone to the guidance counselor or started a crusade with the department head. But let’s be real: it was senior spring. College plans were set, the weather was nice, and time with friends was more valuable than tilting at academic windmills.
So, our protagonist took a different route: radical compliance. If the teacher wanted a worst memory, she’d get the worst memory—complete with detailed writing and illustrations. The assignment described being SAed (sexually assaulted) a year prior, alongside a sweet story of meeting a baby sister. The project was hidden until the last minute, ensuring no chance for revisions or awkward interventions.
A Lesson Learned—For Everyone
The results? The assignment was returned with a simple “I’m so sorry” and a perfect score. It turned out every student got 100%—as if the teacher realized, perhaps too late, the Pandora’s box she’d opened. In class, she apologized for the assignment’s inappropriateness, even offering to meet privately with any student who wanted to talk. Crucially, the teacher changed her policy for future classes: now, students can reflect on any set of memories or aspects of their personalities, not just the highest highs and lowest lows.
The poster even notes that their younger sister, who later had the same teacher, confirmed the change. The movie stayed, but the assignment evolved—thanks, in no small part, to one student’s willingness to follow the rules to the uncomfortable letter.
Why This Story Resonates
At first glance, this is a classic “petty revenge” tale, and Reddit ate it up—nearly 3,000 upvotes and a chorus of “good on you!” in the comments. But it’s more than just a funny anecdote. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, teachers (and adults in general) forget the emotional complexity of the assignments they give. And while we might want to push students to be open and vulnerable, there’s a time and place—and a classroom assignment probably isn’t it.
What’s truly brilliant is the way the student navigated the situation: neither outright defiance nor passive acquiescence, but a kind of tactical honesty that forced reflection without drama. It’s a playbook for anyone who’s ever been stuck with an uncomfortable school project: sometimes, the best way to prove a point is to take instructions very, very literally.
The Takeaway
This story is a goldmine for students and educators alike. For students: you’re not alone if you ever feel uncomfortable with a “share your deepest trauma” assignment. For teachers: sensitivity matters—especially when you’re asking teens to open up. And for everyone? Sometimes, petty revenge isn’t about being mean—it’s about nudging the world to be a little bit better…one awkward assignment at a time.
What’s your most memorable (or cringeworthy) school assignment? Ever had a teacher change a policy because of student feedback or creative compliance? Share your stories in the comments below!
Inspired by this Reddit post.
Original Reddit Post: My very immature response to an AP Psychology assignment