Genuinity is the true influence by Alyssa

Genuinity is the true influence by Alyssa - June 2021 Scholarship Essay

As I was waiting in the zoom waiting room going over my answers prior to the interview. I took a second to reflect on how I got to this moment. It all started because my professor wanted her students to succeed. I discovered this opportunity because my professor posted an announcement regarding an internship position. My professor, Dr. Hoppa, is an educator that wants her students to take advantage of opportunities that can elevate them in their career and for personal growth. I did not comprehend this until I asked her for a recommendation letter. I was surprised by her inquisitive response, but she simply wanted to know more because she believed more people needed to know about this opportunity.
Her response was a representation of how she is as a teacher and a human being she was a professor that carried herself with compassion and respect for her students. The spring semester at my institution was remote and many professors do not take into consideration the negative impact a pandemic has on students. However, Dr. Hoppa did provide students with a break from lectures because she comprehended the negative impact staring at computer screens for hours has on students. In addition, providing a safe space for students to voice their troubles regarding concepts in class and programming assignments. But also respect by being upfront with her expectations from my fellow classmates because at the end of the day we are all adults. By being organized and proactive by informing the class of all the assignments in the class and their deadlines.
Every school year my anxiety and stress are out of control because I am worried, I will be overwhelmed, and school will negatively affect my mental health. I was scared about Dr. Hoppa’s class because of the programming assignments but she provided what I needed time and availability for assistance. Dr. Hoppa is my most influential teacher because she inspires me to follow in her footsteps by fighting for people to have a chance and to not be fearful but instead confident in themselves.