In this column, the author reflects on the writing instructor's role as a cultural gatekeeper, whose comments and grades are an implicit judgment of whether or not a student has got "it," and on the relative importance of talent and perseverance in a writer's career. Drawing on the story of Ishmael Beah, she concludes that while instructors may serve as judges of talent and make favorites of those who exhibit talent, perseverance will eventually guide even those on the periphery to success.