I went to public school (Memorial Jr. High) for 7th and 8th grade. I spent most of my time at school alone. I played flute in the band for a short time. I had one fight – a girl slapped me in the face, and I smashed her head through a window (my mother took her to the hospital, and my parents paid the medical bills). I attended Holy Family High School instead of public school (Walt Whitman High School) because my introverted, quiet demeanor attracted bullies on a regular basis. My grades were marginal; my career counselor told me to prepare for menial work (because college was out of the question).
My high school experience was unremarkable. My grades continued to be marginal, and I did the bare minimum to pass. I graduated during the summer of my 11th grade year (I completed 12th grade English and Math at summer school – which fulfilled the credits I needed to receive my diploma).
I had a difficult time fitting in with any group during my school years.
