Out of the Spotlight by Jack

Out of the Spotlight by Jack - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

I thought I was Mr. Know-it-all in fifth grade. When a question was asked, even if I wasn't sure about the answer, my hand would blast up toward the ceiling like a rocket. Seeing as this was a very common occurrence, the teacher, Mrs. D, pretended not to notice me. She wanted to give other kids the opportunity to participate, but I wanted everyone to know that I knew the answer. I’d sit in the back row, hand in the air, almost out of my seat with anticipation, waving it back and forth like I was trying to catch the attention of my favorite movie star. At the time, I didn't understand that I was doing anything wrong. I thought I was setting a good example for the other kids in my class.

When the bell rang, Mrs. D asked to talk with me. As the kids snatched up their books and fought their way out the doorway and down the hall to lunch, my heart sunk to the floor. What could she possibly need to talk with me about? She informed me that although it’s good to participate and be a leader, sometimes we need to step back and let others have a chance. She made a good point. It was something I never considered.

She said, “You know, you don’t have to be the center of attention all the time.”

Feeling a tad bit defeated but still optimistic as always, I replied, “I know… But I’d like to be.”

Mrs. D smiled at my humor and sent me off to lunch. As I walked briskly through the halls to catch up with my friends, I now understood humility. Being a Mr. Know-it-all can take you places in life, but there are other traits that are just as importance as intelligence. The people one meets during his or her journey through life will appreciate modesty and kindness. Mrs. D taught me to allow other kids a chance in the spotlight. One of the greatest attributes a leader can have is knowing when to step down and become a follower. Of course, there were still times that I talked like I hadn't had company for 12 years, but Mrs. D, being the creative, different, wonderful teacher she is, found a way to control that: A spray bottle filled with water.