The Key to Life by elizabeth

The Key to Life by elizabeth - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

We all know that it takes hard work and determination to get where we want to be in life. No one ever became successful simply by being a couch potato. However, before we realize this we have to go through a certain experience that nudges us towards this conclusion. Whether it is a sudden epiphany or an inspirational talk with a certain role model, the light that is shed on needing a motivated lifestyle can't be denied. The reason I believe that you need to work hard in life came in the form of my 7th grade Geography teacher, Mr. Stevens.

Around his classroom were several of his favorite quotes that he himself took the time to show and explain to us. Yet one of these quotes always caught my attention and made me stop and think. It was "Only the educated are free" by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Mr. Stevens took longer to explain the importance of this quote compared to the others. Without an education life wouldn't be the same and it takes hard practice or studying to reach our dreams. He always said "Remember to keep your eyes on the prize" which kept his students motivated. Furthermore he encouraged us to never quit no matter how tough things became. This brought him to my next favorite quote by one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Michael Jordan once said: "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." Failure is what pushes us to become stronger people, and no one taught me that more than Mr. Stevens.

The fact that after almost five years I still remember these quotes shows how much they have impacted my life. Today I am a straight 'A' student in the International Baccalaureate program with a 4.0 GPA because of the lesson Mr. Stevens taught me of working hard so that I never give up. Without a doubt I know that he continues to teach these lessons to those whom he encounters just as I do now. I will carry them through my life especially during the hard times I will inevitably face. Although he inspired his students, it was up to them to take these lessons and implement them into their own lives. This is perfectly summed up in Thomas Edison's quote that "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
I wouldn't want to imagine what type of student I would be now if it wasn't for Mr. Stevens. He truly gave me the key to life.