Basically, school is deadly dull. I remember trying to think of things to daydream about to get through class. Though I think Steve's point about feeling predestined to nothing was part of it too, in my case my own father gave me that message.
But I also remember 6, maybe 8 teachers, in, oh 15 years of school, who broke through that. Mostly in high=school. They were always harder, more enthusiastic, and basically, they were in love with their subjects.
I had one algebra II teacher who actually replaced my Dylan mania, with math mania. Don't remember her name, but I can picture her. She and her husband flew small planes. Also a couple of Lit. teachers. One philosophy and one botany prof. Did I say six?
I've often thought that if teachers were held in higher esteem and paid better, we'd have more folks like that teaching.
I bet several of you will be looked upon as bright spots in the dull blur of schooling.
P.