When our teacher asked the class to share our favorite animal, I didn’t even pause. “Fried chicken,” I said with a smile. The room erupted in laughter, but my teacher didn’t share the humor. She told me to take the question seriously—but I was being serious. I really do love fried chicken.
At home, I told my dad about what happened. He just chuckled and said maybe my teacher was a little too passionate about animals. “Some people take that stuff personally,” he joked. I nodded and told him I love animals too—especially the ones that end up on my plate.
Still, my answer led me straight to the principal’s office. I explained everything, thinking I might be in trouble. But instead of scolding me, the principal laughed and just told me not to say things like that again during class discussions.
The next day, the teacher gave it another shot. “What’s your favorite live animal?” she asked. I thought about it, smiled, and said, “Chicken.” When she asked why, I answered, “Because it becomes fried chicken.” And yes, back to the principal’s office I went.
The principal chuckled again but reminded me to be more mindful in class. I didn’t mean to upset anyone—I was just being honest, the way my parents taught me to be.
Then today, the question was different: “Name a famous person you admire.” I said, “Colonel Sanders.” You can probably guess where I ended up next—yep, the principal’s office.
Continue reading on next page…