Not Enough Thanks by Emma

Not Enough Thanks by Emma - June 2021 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my education, I have had several teachers who have impacted my life, and I am grateful for every one of them. The teacher I have chosen to be the most influential was my coach, health teacher, and gym teacher; I had known him both inside and outside of school for many years. Unfortunately, in March of 2020, my school district lost one of our beloved to his ongoing fight against leukemia. Mr. Haggerty was a teacher and friend to many and had touched the lives of so many people within our community; his smile, personality, and outlook on life were something you wanted to have experienced. His presence alone encouraged, brought people together, and made many people happy just being around him.
On a personal note, he taught me so many valuable life lessons that I still carry with me today. I have a medical condition that I have struggled with and will continue to do so for years to come. Mr. Haggerty taught me what it's like not to let your medical condition define you nor control your life. He told me the story about his first treatment process and how lucky he was to have his older sister there with him, and how grateful he was to be alive, to witness everything around him. I have always felt the same way especially having my sister with me and never taking a single day for granted. We had many long talks, and he always made me feel like he was in my corner no matter what life would throw at me. The biggest takeaway from his passing is that I never had the chance to share with him a decision I made less than two months earlier that was about to change my future. I never had the chance to thank him for giving me the courage to take that step, the chance to thank him for being there for me and making sure I understood that giving up was not an option.
I was heartbroken to hear that he had relapsed and was going through this yet again. One of our last conversations was about the pros and cons of where I wanted to go to college. My entire life was centered around what would be possible and what is not. I spent the first 12 years of my life told that everything I wanted to do might not be possible. From doctors, specialists, nurses, and teachers, I saw and knew I would often give me that sad look and say, "not today, sweetie." Even now, I remember the very day I said to my mom, "I know, not possible." and she stopped what she was doing and told me, "Nothing is impossible; the word itself says "I'm Possible." She then pulled up this exact quote and picture of the fashion icon, the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. That was the first time I heard myself say aloud, "I am possible." The past few years, I did not think going to my dream school was even a factor, but I was still determined to find a way to continue with my education. In addition, I never thought I would have an opportunity to become a collegiate athlete due to my medical condition and the many obstacles it brings. It was this conversation that I had with Mr. Hagerty that he said, "Go for it, take the shot," and that's exactly what I did. I began the process, and then, five months later, I committed to play at the school. He was the first person I wanted to tell; I had to let him know that I actually did it and how overwhelmed and elated I was. After all the papers were signed, I had a copy just for him to see that this was really happening and that my dream was coming true. I was at a complete loss and beyond shocked when he passed, as so many of us were and still are. This all happened at the heels of a world pandemic, one that has changed and altered so many lives, including mine. At a time where I am at such a crossroads is when I would want to talk to him, want to hear his advice, and work out my next steps with him, but I cannot. He will always carry a special place in my heart. I would want just one more chance to say thank you. Thank you for pushing me, thank you for believing in me when so much seemed impossible, and for reminding me that I am. Thank you for being the person that not just me but everyone looked up to and wanted to be like.