Knowledge before Judgement by Elizabeth

Knowledge before Judgement by Elizabeth - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Going to a private, Christian school, I am assumed to be a preppy, entitled, rich kid. I should own all the newest shoes, clothes, and electronics. Erin Burchwell did not believe that of any of her students.

She came to school each morning, in quite the get-up - anything from clashing patterns, to many bold colors in one outfit. She did not care that she worked with many rich teachers, who live a fancy life, not really needing the poor pay that this particular Christian school has to offer. Mrs. Burchwell did not care about the judgement from her students, or the comments about her colored hair. She spent every day in the moment, and attentive to all the needs of her students, barley taking enough time for herself to use the restroom or get a drink.

I believe that is what made her one of the most beneficial teachers to my growth as a student, as well as a person. She took the time to get to know every one of her students. She was an unordinary person in a very ordinary world, and that is what made her stick out to me. I learned from her to not care about what people think of others or of myself. If I believed everything my peers were saying about Mrs. Burchwell, how would I have gotten to know who she was, and what an influential person she would be in my life? I learned from her to be bold, and to stand up for everything I believe in. Despite going to a Christian school, she was the only teacher I had that prayed at the beginning of class every single day. Christianity is a strong part of my life, as well as a part of who I am, so daily she encouraged me to pray to my Lord.

I would be less of the strong person that I am right now without Erin Burchwell. She taught me to be myself, and to not believe judgement, as well as to not pass it on others. My walk with Christ was strengthened by her own dedication to Christ - and that is something I will never be able to repay her for.