What happens when someone tells you you're not good enough?

One comment from a university lecturer – 'you're horrible at writing' – was enough to make Eloise stop completely. In this activity you'll hear from a writer who found her way back through kinds of writing she never knew existed.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 30 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 20 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes H2, L9
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes H2

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • Has anyone ever told you that you weren't good at something you cared about? What happened next - did you keep going, or did you stop?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

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Eloise de Witt - Writer

Eloise is a writer based in South Africa. She writes for companies, apps, packaging, and magazines - from marketing campaigns to the tiny buttons inside an app. She always loved writing, but a university lecturer told her she was horrible at it and she stopped completely. She found her way back through a different door.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What did Eloise do after the lecturer told her she was horrible at writing - and how did she eventually find her way back?
  • What kinds of writing does Eloise do now that you might not expect a "writer" to do?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing from Eloise's story that made you think differently about how criticism can affect someone?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • A single comment from a lecturer made Eloise stop writing entirely - no poetry, no lyrics, nothing. Why do you think one person's opinion can have that much power? What's the difference between feedback that helps you improve and feedback that shuts you down?
  • Eloise's parents wanted her to study science. She switched courses while standing in the queue to sign up - without telling them. She says "having to work hard at something you don't love is very, very hard." Do you think she was right to trust her own judgement? What would you have done?
  • Eloise writes micro-copy for apps, text on shampoo bottles, and names for nail varnishes. Does that change what you thought a "writer" does? What does it tell you about how a skill like writing can be used in ways you might not expect?