An Everlasting Light by Jessica

An Everlasting Light by Jessica - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Lively posters plastered on walls and billboards will make me remember. Innovative graffiti designs implanted throughout the sides of buildings will make me remember. Creative, expressive art that I see every single day either on the streets, in public, or inside homes and institutions will forever make me remember the beautiful soul that was my art teacher, Ms. Betsy Yost. With all things obtained in my high school career, something that definitely stood out to me was this idea to present appreciation and optimism in any light of day—an unforgettable lesson from Ms. Yost that I will always hold dear to my heart.

It has been a year since high school, and I am constantly reminded of the nostalgic memories formed there, many of which came from Ms. Yost’s art class. I owe the best four years of my life to numerous individuals, but there was something particularly special about having art for almost two and a half years with this teacher. Yes, almost any good teacher can consistently praise and encourage their students in the classroom. Ms. Yost genuinely did more than that.

Back at the time, I pondered at how often she said, “You don’t have to listen, but at least pretend like you do.” I used to find these words contradictory to what most teachers would expect from students, but it was not until recently that I understood her purpose. No matter how one is feeling, she implied the importance of physically presenting appreciation. If showing care can make someone else feel valued, even when you are not having the best day, simply doing so to make that person’s day is well worth it. To add onto this, in all the years that I have known Ms. Yost, it was her optimism that I admired most about her. She could sense when students were down and stressed, immediately brightening up the atmosphere with her personal stories and sheer smile. She complimented artworks and called them masterpieces, even when individual students doubted themselves. She saw the beauty in everything and everyone—something that has motivated me to this very day.

These life lessons of respectful showmanship and continued positivity were not just announced out loud to learn on the spot. They were picked up out of observation, out of inspiration. The day I heard of Ms. Yost’s passing was devastating, as I have not thus far lost someone so loving and close to me. Regardless of how many times I am reminded of her through all forms of art in my surroundings, she will always be that ray of sunshine that never stopped beaming. Let it be known that her words, and the memories that go with it, were the things that pushed me through life obstacles and triumphs. I can only imagine what the future holds for me, thanks to Ms. Yost. I am, and forever will be, grateful.