I have an axe to grind with my third-grade teacher.
TL;DR She told me my writing lacked pizzazz, and I never got over it. So obviously, I grew up to become a creative director at a Silicon Valley tech company.
This piece of feedback was put on my desk in third grade. I remember looking at it and reading my teacher's comments. Over and over.
Kudos to my teacher for thinking I knew what "pizzazz" meant. At the time, I must've thought it was a dope, alternative way to spell pizzas.
Looking back, I think my 9 year-old brain was onto something. If my writing doesn't exude the feeling of pizza, it needs more pizza.
Because writing that is baked with the essence of a crispy under-carriage, fluffly crust, melty cheese, and acidic-yet-sweet tomato sauce works.
Pizza brings joy, and if I write with more of it in mind, in heart, and in stomach, my clients will be happy and I'll be happy.
I came to realize my teacher was telling me that my writing wasn't brimming with vitality or excitement.
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Regardless, thank you, third-grade teacher. Your rubric lives on as a perpetual vendetta to write nothing unless it is full of pizzas...pizzazz. Whatever.
p.s. If you're looking to hire me, I work super well with a slice or two on hand. Thanks 🍕.
Find my resume here.