“Do, or do not. There is no try" by Crystalyn

“Do, or do not. There is no try" by Crystalyn - September 2013 Scholarship Essay

 Some of the most inspiring people in my life were teachers. “Do, or do not. There is no try". This was said by a beloved fictional character, Professor Dumbledore. Which, in its simplicity, allowed me to successfully miss the point. My attitude towards education was always a rollercoaster. It was determined by how easily I overcame a challenge and not one of driven determination for success. I had a desire to stand above others but as the work became harder, I slowly began t drop my standards till I did only the bare minimum. It was accepted so I became satisfied. Soon, attendance in school became a mundane task that needed to be completed to satisfy not myself, but those around me.
 Going through Elementary, then Middle School, I did not have much difficulty. It was not until high school that I was confronted with it and failed. Dropping appearances, I resigned myself to it and broke down completely. It was at this point where I felt my lowest that, with the help of a teacher, I began to struggle. Seeing me, he did what I needed someone to do, he listened. Then, without accepting any excuse, helped me embrace the work. He taught me that to overcome, I could not settle with merely going through the motions and accepting whatever happened. I needed to struggle. Not just using the excuse of trying, but simply doing.