If there's a will, there's always a way. by Jasmine

If there's a will, there's always a way. by Jasmine - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Teachers – are the main reasons why students look forward or despise going to class. They are the main building blocks of education. Without teachers, there would be no classes. Without classes, there would be no school. Without school, there would be no medium for education. Some teachers provide kids with their passion of teaching so they can not only seep the information in their brains for testing, but to make sure they understand what they’re putting into their bodies. They are not the ones who teach information and tell you to look at your notes when you don’t understand. They are the best kind – and I am fortunate enough to have had one of those teachers in my lifetime.
Math used to be my favorite subject in elementary school. It changed when I met my first math a teacher in middle school. She said I couldn’t do it. When I would ask questions, she would say that she’s not going over anything again and to look at my notes. Because of this, my classmates and I stopped asking questions in fear -- fear of being humiliated by her for asking her questions in the middle of class. She made it seem like we were stupid for asking for help. I had lost my drive to learn and my hope that year. That was my first year that I did not receive honor roll. My second year in middle school wasn’t much better when it came to mathematics. I did not understand half of the stuff I was doing, and if it weren’t for my friends, I probably would have failed the class.
However, when I arrived to 8th grade – that’s when it all changed. This man changed my whole entire outlook in striving for my goals. He was a big man with a booming voice that scared us all but when it came to teaching math; he made it to where he provided class days for people who needed extra help. If you didn’t understand what you were doing, he would make sure you understood. Once you understand that you were doing, he’d make you redo similar problems in front of the class until you’re a specialist with precision on that area. He taught me that there could be more than one way to find my answers. He taught me that there could be more than one way to achieve my goals in life. He taught me to never give up on what you strive for – even if someone else tells you otherwise. He taught us that we need motivation in life in order to succeed – and many teachers don’t do that for students. They’re there to do their jobs and get paid for it. However, Mr. Mote was there to exceed the standards of being a regular teacher; he was basically a life coach. Thank you Mr. Mote