Embracing the Little Things by Andrea

Embracing the Little Things by Andrea - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

High school is a time of new beginnings, new relationships, new responsibilities, and new lessons to be learned. I came into high school full of energy and full of excitement for the future. I was the student that thought I had everything planned correctly for the rest of my life until I met a teacher that beautifully wrecked my ambitions. This teacher was named Mr. Stirewalt. He was my AP Psychology teacher and at the time, I could never grasp the thought of him having the impact he did on my life. I discovered quickly one of the most important lessons that I have ever learned in my life because of his guidance and wisdom.

Mr. Stirewalt wanted his students to succeed academically. He found joy in the moments when we would work hard and in return, get that A that we were aiming for. He was the kind of teacher that was selfless in nature and encouraging in the midst of failure. He cared about our grades, the colleges we got accepted into, the Junior Marshal stoles we may have received, and the clubs we were involved in, but the one aspect he cared most about was who we were personally. Mr. Stirewalt helped me to understand that grades were important, but they were not what defined me. He helped me to understand that there is more to this life than getting into that top school you wanted to get into ever since your freshman year of high school or getting a 5 on that AP Psychology exam. I had big dreams, and I still do, but my motive and perspective has changed because of him.

This teacher taught me the importance of being purposeful in all that I pursue and accomplish. Instead of just hoping for an A on a paper, I have learned to see the purpose behind writing it. I have realized that I must be thankful for each breath I take because I am not granted another one. I am not entitled to another day here on this earth; therefore, instead of just going through the motions of school, work, and life, I have learned to be purposeful in all that I do and to make a difference in the lives around me. Instead of being consumed in our phones, choosing comparison over confidence, or being obsessed over a letter grade, try putting the phone down, embracing who you are, and taking time to invest in and be thankful for the things that truly matter. Today I choose to take every opportunity captive and to change this world one day at a time – join me.