Even the little things count by Danielle

Even the little things count by Danielle - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

I never anticipated the impact a teacher can have until I was in a position where I taught a classroom filled with sixth graders. When teaching, I learned that even the small things I do as a teacher means so much, and just being patient can mean the world to a student. As a college graduate, I've always been on one side of the student/teacher relationship. Having lists of topics to study, study guides, lectures, and exams to suffer through. I managed to do what every student is trying to do. Get through each information dense class to the best of my ability.

Until I had the opportunity to teach a simple cows eye dissection. I didn't appreciate the pulchritude of handing off my knowledge to someone else. I went through the important steps of lab safety, sterile techniques, and basic human anatomy. As well, I discussed how the cows eye is anatomically similar to the human eye. So, comparing and contrasting the two species through dissections can help improve a student's understanding of how the human eye functions. The simple task of seeing is an intricate process.

Well, that entire experience was unique to any other one I've had before. Making sure my points were understood, the students were being safe, and most of all enjoying themselves were a few of the many responsibilities teachers have. A whole room of rambunctious, curious, and dewy eyed little people hanging onto your every word can be a little nerve wrecking. They ask you questions from, "Am I doing this right?", to "Can I take the eyeball home?", to "What was the name of the cow this eyeball belonged to?". Laughter along with excitement is trailing throughout the room. Then, this one little girl at the end of dissection tells me, "Thank you, thank you for being patient and helping me. I've been waiting to do this my entire life". In the grand scheme of it all. That one statement humbled me and made me appreciate what knowledge I could instill in them. Giving students information can make you a teacher, but being patient makes you a great teacher.