The Precious Virtue by Hayley

The Precious Virtue by Hayley - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The classroom was hot and humid. The desks were sticky, and the panic had already begun to gnaw at my innards. Mrs. Bergstein however was strangely soothing. It was she that taught me the most important lesson I could have learned from any of my teachers. More important than how to find the correct angle; more important that how to distinguish sedimentary rocks from all the rest. Mrs. Bergstein had taught me that facts and formulas are necessary to know - but patience will transform a student into an independent successful adult.

From day one her science class was detailed, thorough, and most definitely extensive in paper work. I was beginning to feel lost and unable to keep up with other students. Finally I was almost going to give up. It was as if Mrs. Bergstein had sensed my frustration. When the bell had rung and I began packing up she walked over to me and shared her story. Her story of difficulty and doubt much similar to my situation. I hadn't the slightest clue that she had trouble - more than trouble with math. But her words of reassurance showed me that everyone has challenges. It is not the fact that they are present that make us weak, but our inability to strive and continue that does. "Patience," she said. That is what took her nearly failing grade in her first semester to an A.

This what I needed, if my own teacher who always seemed confident, reassuring and in her own element everyday had once been frustrated; then I could conquer my own troubles. I stood everyday lunch period, cleaned up every laboratory mess I made, and fixed my protractor each time the small pencil would jam. At first I couldn't muster up the patience; especially at the sight of others whom so easily mastered the class. It took time, it took more lunch periods, and it took patience.

It wasn't only this class that would require more diligence, or just school - but every moment in my life would require greater patience for a greater reward. It was patience that had lead me to senior awards night. I remember my name being called and I walking up the steps. Mrs. Bergstein was there with a big smile, handing me my Earth Science Award and she said "Patience."