To the Life-Changing Teacher by Herriman

To the Life-Changing Teacher by Herriman - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

Dear teacher,

You have the potential to be the one that keeps me going, encourages me to chase the passion that is burning inside, the one that shows how different everything can be with a new mindset, and pushes me to levels I didn't know I could even reach. There is no better feeling as a student when you end up at a place you didn't think was meant for you. Taking a risk on what seems to be impossible and overcoming the colossal task, all because of a little push. The most important advice you can take is to be able to communicate and have a bond with a student.

In my personal experience, as a student, when I have done the best in a class was when the teacher pulled me aside and simply talked to me. It is as simple as that, yet it seems that this gets missed by so many teachers. It is a chance to really impact someone's life and make a difference.

My mom passed away when I was in fourth grade, and suddenly school seemed unimportant for me and it would never really matter what I did. I felt that way until half-way through sixth grade. My teacher had noticed my attitude towards school and pulled me aside one day. She had been noticing for quite awhile that I wasn't even trying at all. It wasn't even a very serious conversation. We just talked about getting a project done that was to be due soon and what I needed to get for it. After we talked the thought occurred to me that there is someone who is caring how I do and they want me to do better than I am doing. This moment has stuck with me since.

I will always be eternally thankful for that conversation and that teacher for just taking a moment of her time and proving to me that there are people that care about you no matter what situation you find yourself in. I can guarantee that if any teacher was to take the time to have a short, yet meaningful, discussion then the student will end up with the better of it.

Sincerely,
A Forever Changed Student.