My Visionary Classroom by Emily

My Visionary Classroom by Emily - July 2020 Scholarship Essay

A dream classroom is not about how fancy the desks look or how comfortable the chairs are. To me, a dream classroom involves a few basic needs. A professor or mentor that is excited and ready to teach, yet willing to learn from their students. Second, a group of students wanting to participate because their instructor is finding new ways to get everyone involved. Lastly, a comfortable and open environment.
I believe educators are under-appreciated, and people do not realize the true impact one person can have on an entire classroom. I had one teacher that I can always visualize when someone asks me about my dream classroom. She would always walk into the classroom with enthusiasm that made you ready to learn and participate. When I look back on those times, I could not tell you the small details, such as if the chairs were attached or detached from the desks or whether the chairs had little baskets underneath them because the material things do not matter in the classroom. This teacher always found new and exciting ways to boost your confidence and made me excited to learn. Sitting in a classroom is not about reading off continuous PowerPoints that make you want to hit the snooze button but instead walking into an environment you feel comfortable. If you have someone teaching that is comfortable with themselves and makes you step out of your comfort zone from time to time this is what will make you excel even in the subjects you were made to believe were not your “strong suit.”
Students are often led to believe they are not good at subjects when in a classroom they are not engaged in. I do not believe students are bad at math or english. I believe some need a little more confidence in themselves. I know I will succeed as a student in a class from the moment as I walk into a classroom. To me it all starts with the professor and the energy they bring into a classroom, and I know some people would argue in order to be successful they would need prestige technology or a large classroom with cushioned seats. I would argue there was a time when my parents never had those luxuries, and they are some of the most successful people I know. The next time someone proposes the question, what about the classroom will help you to succeed the most? I will answer, “In my opinion, it is not the material objects that matter, but the ones who want to see you excel will ultimately make your dream classroom.”