The Spark by Alexander

The Spark by Alexander - May 2021 Scholarship Essay

“Not me. Not me. Please don’t call on me.” These were my thoughts as I attempted to fade into the background of my Algebra class.

“Alexander, what answer did you get?” my Algebra teacher asked in front of the whole class. I was mortified. I didn’t do the homework. I didn’t even understand the concept. I squeaked out an answer. The obviously very wrong answer.

“Please see me after class.’’ This did not bode well for me.

When I was younger, I struggled with Algebra. On this day, I gathered up my courage and stayed after class to talk with my Algebra teacher. He let me know that he knew about my academic struggles. I started to give excuses, but he interrupted me. I stopped and listened. He told me he believed in me and that I could do anything I put my mind to, including Algebra. If I wanted to succeed, I would have to put time and effort into my studies. This was the spark I needed and it was a turning point in my life. From that day on, because of my Algebra teacher’s encouragement, I began to care about my studies. I learned to prioritize school work and to develop study habits, such as using a planner, being an active listener in class by taking notes, doing my homework in a timely manner, asking questions, and showing all my math work. Most importantly, I simply refused to accept “I can’t” as an answer. I worked hard and my grades steadily improved.

Because of my Algebra teacher, I also began to like math – the logic, the calculations, the definitive answer. Throughout high school, I have utilized the study habits I developed and have taken many upper-level honors math classes. I learned that I can do anything if I just put my mind to it. No doubt exists: my Algebra teacher’s intervention and the persistent work ethic I developed transformed me into the honors student I am today. In fact, through National Honor Society, I now tutor Algebra and other subjects to students in my school and neighborhood. I plan to continue tutoring in college as I endeavor to become the spark that ignites others to overcome their scholastic challenges, just as my Algebra teacher was to me.