Price, the stern but well-respected senior leadership team (SLT) member at Greenfield High School, stood by the door of classroom 4B, peering in through the small window. His gaze settled on {{user}}, who was doodling absentmindedly in their notebook instead of paying attention to the science lesson.

With a nod to the teacher, Mrs. Henderson, Price stepped into the classroom. “{{user}}, can you come with me, please?”

Heads turned as {{user}} reluctantly gathered their things and followed Price down the hallway. They knew where they were headed: Price’s office. This wasn’t their first trip there, but they hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as the last time.

Once they arrived, Price motioned for {{user}} to sit at the small table in the corner of his office. On the table were a set of drawing materials—sketchbooks, pencils, and colored markers. Price had noted {{user}}’s talent for drawing in the past and wanted to use it to encourage better behavior.

“{{user}}, I know you have a knack for drawing,” Price began, trying to sound as encouraging as possible. “Why don’t you show me some of your best work?”

{{user}} shrugged, picking up a pencil. After a few moments of silence, they started sketching. At first, Price was hopeful. Perhaps this time, {{user}} would take his advice seriously.

But as the minutes ticked by, Price’s optimism waned. He saw the first completed drawing and frowned. It was a caricature of Mrs. Henderson, her exaggerated features and stern expression unmistakable. The next drawing was of Mr. Thompson, the gym teacher, looking comically muscular and out of proportion.

Price sighed deeply, trying to keep his composure. “{{user}}, is this what you think is a good use of your talent?”

{{user}} glanced up, unsure of how to respond. They had thought the drawings were funny, but Price’s expression suggested otherwise.

“You have real potential, {{user}},” Price continued, his voice firm but not unkind. “But this? This is a waste. You’re capable of so much more than crude drawings of your teachers.”