The Most Valuable Lesson a Teacher Taught Me by Jinan

The Most Valuable Lesson a Teacher Taught Me by Jinan - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Ms. Nicole Williams is an individual who has made an impact on my life in more ways than one. Before I can explain why, one must know who exactly is Ms. Williams.
Ms. Williams was both my chemistry and AP chemistry teacher. Last year, she took a new job at a private school an hour away. Today, she remains one of my close friends. I ended up in Ms. Will's chemistry class as a freshman (a class normally for juniors) because I was advanced in science. I was completely horrified to take a class with upperclassmen, but I knew I could do it. On the first day of class, Ms. Williams treated me just like the rest, which I appreciated. Chemistry was my favorite class freshman year because of Ms. Williams.
The second year of high school is when I really began to know Ms. Williams. I was one of her only sophomores in her AP Chemistry class (a class meant for seniors). Although I was much younger than anyone else in the room, I was the best in the class. Because of this, I began to speak to Ms. Williams more frequently. Now one must understand that I have never really "fit in." I've always been the socially awkward and too-smart-for-their-own-good kind of kid. It turns out, Ms. Williams was the same way, but an adult version. Because of our similarities, we quickly became close friends.
Ms. Williams had many lessons to teach me because she had experienced a lot in her life already. Ms. Williams became my go-to person. If I had a problem, I would speak to her. If I needed a break from the social antics of high school, I would go to her room. Her classroom was my home base- my safe spot. During these times, Ms. Williams would give me these lessons I mentioned before.
The most important lesson Ms. Williams taught me was "be yourself, and don't try to change in order to have others accept you." This was the biggest struggle I had my sophomore year because I didn't really have any friends. I thought the problem was me, so I tried to change myself. Long story short, I became miserable and ended up back in hiding in Ms. William's room. Since that day, I remember what she told me- be myself.
I am unique, and I should not have to change myself for anyone. I learned from Ms. Williams that anyone who doesn't like who I am naturally, does not deserve to be my friend. Since Ms. Williams left, I still have kept in touch with her, and she has become one of my best and most valued friends.
Overall, Ms. Williams is a teacher that has made a significant impact in my life for more reasons than one. She not only became my closest friend when I needed it, but she taught me life lessons that I will cherish forever.