Others before Me by Andie

Others before Me by Andie - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Teachers are the foundation of the society we live in. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, business owners, lawyers, or even celebrities. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and does different things, but there is one thing everyone has in common… a teacher. At one point in everyone’s life, they have encountered a teacher in some way. Teachers touch thousands of lives throughout their lifetime, helping students grow and succeed. They share their knowledge and wisdom to the many students they teach. Whether they know it or not, teachers impact the lives of students everywhere.
Throughout my lifetime, I have studied under many different teachers, however there is one teacher who stands out to me among the rest. My second grade teacher, Mrs. King. At the time I was not old enough to comprehend the lesson she taught me, but as I got older I was able to look back and see how much her life has impacted me. At the time she was my teacher, she was battling cancer. However, she did not let this get in the way of doing what she loved most. Her love for teaching was far more important than the awful sickness she was fighting. She never let her circumstances get in the way of her students. She always put others first. The way she lived her life impacted me and hundreds of other students. I am forever thankful to have known a woman so selfless and caring for others. She taught me to put others first and to fight for what I love.
Teachers touch thousands of people's lives, pushing them to achieve greatness. Mrs. King’s influence on my life definitely taught me to put others first and to pursue my dreams. I hope to one day be as loving and selfless as my second grade teacher.