"You are not smart or pretty enough."
/Growing up, my teachers were the root of my low self-esteem. I was dyslexic, and they would actually make fun of me in front of other students.
I wanted to try out for a public speaking organization, but as soon as I stood up, one of my teachers told me, "You are not smart or pretty enough to compete in public speaking. You need to go back to your seat and sit quietly while the students who actually have a shot at winning try out. Try losing 10 pounds, learn how to do your makeup and get rid of that lisp then we can talk."
Everyone laughed including the 2 other teachers in the room, while I was forced to sit in the back of class and wait until tryouts were over.
When my mom asked how it went, I lied and told here it went well and that I might actually make it. I didn't want her to be sad. I was 11 years old.