Mr. Hawk by Isabella

Mr. Hawk by Isabella - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Bella Weiss
4 October, 2019
Varsity Tutors Scholarship

Mr. Hawk

I know a man named Casey Hawk. Being one of the most genuine, kind and wise humans that I’ve ever come into contact with, this individual has blessed my life as well as the lives of myriad others through some of the simplest acts in the world. As a highschool English teacher for nineteen years, one wouldn’t normally picture such a guy that is outstandingly enthusiastic and happy to be alive- but that’s who he is. His life advice, his educational influence and his emotional help were some of the largest factors that molded who I am today.
Mr. Hawk is not your average teacher. Conveying a fair share of curse words, jokable moments and deep opinions about anything from the human love experience to “magic gum” that he hands out every block period, he is nothing less than an interesting character. Despite being a man with quite the sense of humor, Mr. Hawk was the one who taught me to be extremely mature at the most immature of ages- thirteen. Being a man with a keen opinion about relationships, he advised students to avoid highschool romances and focus on themselves. Originally thinking “That’s ridiculous, I’ll date someone if I want!”, I was naive and unwilling to listen. Yet, after experiencing a strange and uncomfortable relationship during freshman year, I came to the fruition that Hawk was right. “You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else” and “There are different kinds of love. If my wife cheated on me, I would lose love for her; but if my children become serial killers, I would still love them till the end of time” rang in my ears from time to time. This man knew so much about human love, all from his own experiences, and was passing the wisest of advice to the people in the world that needed it the most. He didn’t have to, but I am undoubtedly thankful that he did. Currently, I am on the journey of self-love- I’m taking his advice and staying true to myself.
Not only did Mr. Hawk teach me the most valuable lessons about love and life in general, but he’s a heck of an intellectual. His teaching methods, although different, were nothing but beneficial for me and my literary career. He made us take ten minutes at the beginning of class every day to just write. No breaks, write about anything and everything. Beginning this process, my hand hurt tremendously, I could think of nothing to say and I had no idea how this method could transform me into a stronger writer. It wasn’t until one day that I wrote ten pages in ten minutes. It was a beautiful piece, and despite messy handwriting, it was extremely impressive in both and creativity. I ran to him with the most immaculate smile written across my face and presented my papers, being greeted with a high five and a second piece of magic gum.
Mr. Hawk read everything to us. Numerous educators wouldn’t condone this, yet it was one of the most useful learning experiences I’ve encountered. I would speak with my peers in other classes about the Shakespearian piece “Romeo and Juliet”. They admitted they simply couldn’t comprehend it and were solely looking up summaries of the story on sparknotes. My experience with “Romeo and Juliet” however, was glorious. Mr. Hawk played out this traditional playwright with action figures. Yes, action figures. With personally added humor and extravagant gestures (throwing them across the room for dramatic effect), I learned more about this wonderful narrative than those who sat down and attempted to interpret the Old English text. Like previously stated, numerous educators wouldn’t condone this, but Hawk was right in my book.
Casey Hawk is a lot of things, but he is first and foremost a healer. Anything from offering support to both those who reach out and those who don’t, to sharing and trusting his past personal experiences with us. He even held “Hawk Talks” involving a dedicated box where we’d ask any questions imaginable and receive help- and he would answer, he’d always answer. Every day for ten months walking in and out of his classroom, I would either be greeted or sent off with a high five and one of three iconic quotes of his: “Be true to yourself”, “Follow your heart” and “Trust your gut”. What other highschoolers experience little gestures like this? Hardly any I’ve heard of. With such a loving and encouraging spirit, Mr. Hawk has helped hundreds of children accept themselves and fix their no longer exacerbating life situations. No matter what anyone might say, Hawk is always right.
I know a man named Casey Hawk. A quirky, clever and intelligent man- one who grants endless love and wisdom towards others. The closing of my ninth grade year, I wrote him one of the most raw, emotional letters that I could gather the heart to present. Over the summer, he hung it up directly above his computer. Now, whenever we nod heads at one another in the hallway, or when he gives me a high five while proceeding to shout “Bella Fitzgerald!”, I think of how Casey Hawk kept the letter and hung it up. I think about how Casey Hawk changed my life. For that, for him, I am forever grateful.