My Friend, My Teacher by Abby

My Friend, My Teacher by Abby - May 2015 Scholarship Essay

I’ve known Hannah all my life—our paths first crossed when we were children. Over the years, our friendship has developed to the point that I now consider her one of my dearest friends. Even more meaningful than her friendship, though, is the lesson she has exampled through her own life.

For years, I admired Hannah’s ability to teach piano to both young and older students. Since I also played the piano, I could appreciate her skill. I admired her confidence and assurance as well as her talent.

Many people use their skills to advance their own good. Without intentionally being selfish, they devote their time and energy to accomplishing only what will benefit themselves. Hannah wasn’t like that. Even though she had built a business for herself, it was never about the money. Instead, she realized that the best way to make a difference in this world was to invest in the lives of people. She certainly has achieved her goal—she is loved and respected by all who know her, especially myself.

Hannah further showed her concern for people when she volunteered to spend a year in Western Samoa as a piano teacher for a small school there. As a very impressionable teenager, I watched and learned from her willingness to devote a whole year of her life to bringing music to the young native children. It made such an impact on my life. I saw my friend using her abilities to impact a corner of the world that was very needy. I saw her bring joy to people’s hearts through her care and concern.

The lessons I have learned through Hannah have become part of my life now. Through her example, I now want to change people’s lives the way she did—by using what she had. Not everyone can go spend a year overseas helping a poverty-stricken village, but we can make a huge impact right where we are. My eyes are opened to the opportunities around me, at home and in my community. As I study to earn my degree in nutrition, I want to use that knowledge make a difference wherever I can.

Another lesson I have learned from Hannah is that happiness comes through giving. I’m sure many people would consider it a waste of time and money for her to do what she did, but I don’t. She is one of the most genuinely happy people I know. There is a glow on her face and a shine in her eyes when she talks about her experiences in Samoa. I have learned through her example that giving is not the same as sacrifice. True giving is an investment with rich dividends.

I’m not the only person who noticed Hannah’s extraordinary willingness to serve others. Only a few weeks after her return from Samoa, my older brother asked her to marry him and she said yes. I am so thrilled to have her as a sister-in-law. It is a joy to be around her, and I am still learning from her example.

I look forward to implementing these lessons further in my life. I know life is not about hoarding our resources, or merely improving our lives. There is a world out there that needs help. I want to follow Hannah’s example and bring joy and hope to many.