A Rare Find by daniel
danielof cambridge's entry into Varsity Tutor's July 2016 scholarship contest
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A Rare Find by daniel - July 2016 Scholarship Essay
What is the most important lesson you've learned from a teacher?
Nick Nugent was definitely the best professor that I’ve ever had in my academic career. But what made Nick unique wasn’t how smart he was, how long he’s taught at Harvard, or even his easygoing nature with everyone. It was his passion towards teaching and for what he taught. His belief that his role as an instructor is not just to teach, but to mold his students into the best versions of themselves that they could be. He wanted all his students to succeed, was often flexible to work with them on issues, and continued to help students even after the course ended.
If nothing else Nick has taught me something truly special, irrelevant of International Marketing, and that is to truly value people. Perhaps his appreciation for people was the culmination of his international exposure to various cultures. Perhaps it was his interest in interacting with people in general. But whatever the reason, his optimism was both high energy and contagious. Nick would often say in his lectures “to this day, I’ve never regretted visiting a country. Now some places are worse than others, but the people are always great!”
I believe that the lesson Nick has taught me would empower me to become not just a better individual, but one who will continue to empower others around me. This is the quintessential role of what a manager should be, and what I’m currently studying at Harvard to become. Because what differentiates a good manager from a great one isn’t how you lead others to do things efficiently, but how you lead others to do the right thing.
From an academic perspective, his teachings were valuable and practical. From a humanistic perspective, his teachings were inspirational, encouraging, and ethical. But the effectiveness in his teachings was ultimately based on the philosophy of mindfulness and consideration. And as a result Nick was in many ways a teacher, not just of knowledge, but of deep appreciation for people.
