What is the most important lesson you've learned from a teacher? by Ariel

What is the most important lesson you've learned from a teacher? by Ariel - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The most important I have learned from a teacher is to not take life for granted. Her name was Princess Richey. Ms. Richey was a Spanish teacher of mine. She was diagnosed with Epilepsy my senior year of high school. What I mean when I say not to take life for granted is put your family first, not to be afraid of your fears, take risk, and to live life, and to put in all you have when doing something.
Ms.Richey had seizures so bad that there were times that she had to go home. She was scared but she didn’t let that stop her from living life. Every day she would take a risk. She didn’t affect her epilepsy from doing her regular routines before she was diagnosed. I noticed she would start putting her family first every time. Rather than staying longer after school for pep rallies she would leave to go to see her nieces and nephews.
I spoke with her on graduation day on how I was scared of what my future held for me. I was afraid I would fail and not succeed. Ms. Richey had told me not to be afraid and compared her epilepsy to life. She said that every time she had a seizure that she may not make it but was not afraid. She said to put in all you have whenever you do something and I’d go far. I took her advice and I have. I put my fear in the back of my head.
Princess Richey passed away June of 2015. She had a seizure that had gotten so bad and had caused a blood clot in her brain. I take these words as well as her actions with me every day. I thank her for what she taught me and always will.