Mrs S by Amber

Mrs S by Amber - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

My sophomore year in high school, I had a wonderful teacher that taught me many things. She taught me how to solve complex equations, and how to remember the properties of different geometric shapes. Most of all, through her love and support, she taught me that I am NOT my failures.

I want to take some time to explain the complexity of that statement. I fail a lot. I never had that "it" factor (excuse the cliche) that I strived to be good at. So I found myself trying out all sorts of things ranging from sports, to piano lessons, to even collecting quarters, all of which didn't turn out to great. This particular teacher got to know me and would see the complete devastation in my eyes after I didn't do well on a test. Because to me, it wasn't just a test. It was another reminder of all of the things I couldn't do.

I remember sending her an email after I tried out for American Idol. I was cut the first round and was completely crushed. She told me that just because I get rejected or fail a certain task, it doesn't mean that I'm not good enough. She told me that my failures should not stop me from pursuing my dreams because my failures do not define me. She's one of the coolest people I know, and I am forever grateful.