Illuminating the light bulb by Emma Rose

Illuminating the light bulb by Emma Rose - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

“Am I moving too fast? I can't help it! I love quadratic equations!" Mrs. Galbo exclaimed. While nodding my head in accordance, I looked around and saw other students grimacing. Luckily, they knew our teacher cared about their success. Her enthusiasm for math made a difference for those who felt challenged. Teachers like Ms. Galbo, who believed I could strive for excellence, made the most significant difference to me. These teachers are advocates, role models, and leaders for students. Last spring, I was asked by one of these revered teachers to be a tutor at the summer Algebra Academy.
As an AP math student, nothing hurts my heart more than hearing a student exclaim, "I hate math!" Saying yes to the opportunity to be an Algebra teacher made me feel like I could help these students on a larger scale. The chance to see how students absorbed information through different forms of teaching helped me grow as both a student and a tutor. Knowing how to solve a problem your way is one thing, but coming up with new methods to teach others the same topic is a new level of understanding.
Watching someone slowly begin to enjoy a subject that I love is invigorating. On numerous occasions, I witnessed the light bulb illuminate over someone's head when all the pieces clicked together. I have always felt satisfied being an advocate for those who need more time than others to comprehend a subject. This educational opportunity as a tutor at the Algebra Academy and now as a peer tutor in my senior year has given me the gift of better communication, experience with diverse populations, and becoming like the teachers who inspired me. While Mrs. Galbo is known as the teacher who loves quadratic equations, I am now proudly known as the tutor who loves slope-intercept form and the lovely unit circle. This opportunity was crucial for me to know just how rewarding being a math teacher could be, and I hope I've made a difference in my students' futures just as Mrs. Galbo has made an impact on mine.