Beyond the Classroom by Courtney

Beyond the Classroom by Courtney - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

I have always loved English class because reading and writing was an escape for me. There was so much comfort in getting lost in the pages of books and poetry. Additionally, I was incredibly lucky to have had so many passionate, talented educators throughout my academic journey. Academic excellence came easily to me throughout the majority of my educational experience. It was not until my freshman year of high school, when my parents were getting divorced, that I started to dread coming to class. Words were meaningless. There was no joy in the writing process. Everything I thought I knew about the subject I love was ripped out from under me at the time I needed an escape most.

My freshman year English teacher, Mr. Wilman, will be someone I admire for the rest of my life because of his dedication to students beyond the classroom. His capacity to not only understand but actively work to meet my delicate emotional needs during an already trying period of my life is an act of kindness I will never forget. Upon informing him of my home situation, he went out of his way to check in on me each week. Sometimes it was a quick post it note on my desk on a quiet day, whereas other times it was an intentional "good morning! I'm glad you're here." Those small moments meant the world to me, though I was emotionally unable to express that in that moment. His warm presence was one of the few things I could rely on during an incredibly draining period of my life and I cannot help but to be grateful for his not letting me drown.

I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. Since I was small, I experienced a passion for reading and writing that school simply cannot teach. When my world was falling out from under me, Mr. Wilman reinforced my passion for learning in a way that I was unable to do for myself at the time. His unending support and understanding helped me to find my feet and reclaim my love for my favorite subject; finally, I could find peace in literature again. Not only did he positively impact my experience as a result of his academic determination, but he also refueled a tired, sad child whose love for learning had gotten lost along the way.

I can confidently say that Mr. Wilman taught me more about myself and my tolerance for adversity than any other teacher I have ever had. His love for his students beyond academic progress positively impacted me to the extent that it confirmed my career path moving forward. Even now, I try to structure my own teaching practices to even remotely reflect his natural skill as an educator and guide. The vast majority of students have a teacher they truly loved, and though their experiences are all different, it is clear that the best and most impactful teachers are those who support students beyond academic prowess. Leadership is not defined solely through academic progress but through the intentional relationships fostered over time. I am unfathomably lucky to have had the support of such a leader in the field and I aim to positively impact my own students in similar ways each year as a tribute to the best teacher I have ever had.