Recalling a Spelling Bee - NYTimes.com Reading "Spelling Out the End," by Tania James (Op-Ed, May 29), I recalled my own unhappy experience. Years ago I represented my Chicago school in a spelling bee in which I didn't want to participate. I thought my student coach, a better speller than I, should have been chosen. Although I was an excellent student and competitive, I saw no importance in knowing how to spell words I didn't use. At the bee I missed my very first word, an easy one that I knew: allegiance. I said, "a-l-e," and there was no going back. As soon as I finished, two of my friends and I ran out of the auditorium, leaving a very unhappy teacher. I don't know why I spelled it wrong - rebellion or nervousness? I was just relieved and absolutely happy to never have to do that again. I became a teacher and an editor and always use a dictionary when in doubt.