Most Important Lesson I've Learned From A Teacher by Alyssa

Most Important Lesson I've Learned From A Teacher by Alyssa - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The single most important lesson I have learned from any teacher is that life is too short to be anything but happy. This particular teacher, Jennifer Washko, was my teacher for three years, my coach for four years, and a lifelong friend. Not to mention she was my chosen person out of all the teachers I had when I was in the Top Ten in high school and had to pick one teacher that inspired me most. This kind-hearted woman cared a lot about her students and wanted to see everyone succeed. She never judged anyone, never gave up on her students, and always made sure we were on track to success. What I think made her unique and made everyone love her as a teacher was that she could relate to her students in a different way than most. She was one of the youngest teachers at my school, but made the most effort to make the classroom a fun environment.
Out of all the years I have known her, she has always been the first one to see how I was doing and always gave me insightful advice. The most important advice she gave me was that life is too short to be anything but happy. She told me that if I wasn't happy where I was at or what I was doing to change it. That really spoke to me because before, I often just settled with everything in my life. Now, I realize that if I am not happy with something, I have the power to change it.
I recently took this advice when I was deciding what college to go to. I was choosing between two universities and it took me a long time to finally realize only one truly made me happy. After a year at Bowling Green State University, I am thankful that I chose this college and thankful for Jennifer for making me realize my happiness comes first. Not only does this apply to this situation, but I use this for every aspect of my life and it has changed the way I view life and make decisions.
This amazing teacher has changed my life in more ways than one, but this specific piece of advice of doing what truly makes me happy will stick with me for as long as I live and I couldn't be more appreciative to have her in my life.