# Meme of My Past

> A teacher's embarrassing arrest becomes a child's fear.
- Title: Meme of My Past · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: A teacher's embarrassing arrest becomes a child's fear. A former high school teacher's internet meme from a decade ago now worries his infant son about…
- Keywords: teacher, arrest, meme, parenting, infant, social stigma, google search, redemption, Past, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/parenting-advice-darkest-moment-meme.html?via=rss
- Author: A.J. Daulerio
- Published: 2026-09-24T17:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: teacher, arrest, meme, parenting, infant, social stigma, google search, redemption
## My dark moment
Ten years ago, I pulled over to ask sex workers for drugs.

> One of them was actually a cop, and I was arrested.
## Arrested on curb
I waited in cuffs while a former student took my photo.

> I was a local meme. I do not harbor ill will about this.
## Meme spread
The photo went viral, making me a public joke.

> It is objectively funny to see your high school teacher busted for solicitation.
## Ten years later
I have a baby and a successful career.

> I’ve gotten sober and gotten my life back on track.
## New fear
My son’s friends might Google me and judge my past.

> I’m afraid about how this is going to affect his life because of the Meme of It All.
## My wife’s support
My wife married me before the arrest and knows my past.

> My wife knew me before this happened and married me anyway.
## Other stories
A fellow former student shares similar fears.

> I’ve experienced the same levels of intense regret and paranoia you are.
## What happens next
I will teach my son that mistakes are lessons.

> Use the next decade to teach your son that mistakes are lessons.
## Key takeaway

A former high school teacher's internet meme from a decade ago now worries his infant son about social stigma.