The most important lessons I've learned from a teacher by Chelsea

The most important lessons I've learned from a teacher by Chelsea - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

There are many lessons I have learned in the past from many teachers, but only one truly stood out and helped me approach life from a different perspective. I was in the third grade at the time when I was told something by a teacher that will forever be in my mind. One day, during the hour long playtime that we had almost everyday, I was pushed to the ground by a girl whom at the time I had no clue even existed. She approached me seemingly angry or disgusted for some odd reason, so I knew whatever she was bound to say would not be so nice. I remember the exact words that she said to me, "Why are you playing with these boys, you n*****? They don't even want to play with you. You are so pathetic.". I distinctively remember many emotions flowing through me at the time including, madness, sadness, disgust, embarrassment, etc. When she said this to me I ran off back to my classroom with tears welling in my eyes because I didn't know what the n word quite meant at the time and I knew that she was being hateful, judging by the way she said it and how other kids reacted.
At the time, I had a wonderful teacher Mrs. C, so when I ran into the room crying she automatically came to me and asked me what was wrong. I could tell she was genuinely concerned. So I decided to tell her what took place on the playground. After I told her I could tell she was automatically speechless and dumbfounded, but she managed to tell me these important words that I will keep in my heart for the rest of my existence on earth, "Honey, don't let anyone tell you what you are worth. You are the judge of yourself and everyone else's opinions don't matter, only yours. The next time you hear anyone call you that awful name, walk away with your head up high and never let them see that you were even slightly hurt by their name-calling. You are your only true critic so never let anyone affect you like that little girl did no matter the circumstances. Be you and only you, nothing else matters. Always remember to be strong and to never give others the satisfaction of seeing you upset.".
I learned from my teacher that day I should be my own person and stand strong against all diversity. I have carried her advice with me all my life. I live by her advice and I can honestly say that without it, I would not be the person that I am to this day. I believe that if her words had not spoken to me the way that they did, I would not be able to persevere through life without being deeply affected by every person that did not embrace a relationship with me or that said hurtful things in an attempt to break my spirit. Mrs. C's advice changed my life and for that I am eternally thankful. I learned the most valuable lesson of them all that day. Be yourself and live by your own self-perception and not by others.