Mrs. W-Not Just a Teacher by Jordyn

Mrs. W-Not Just a Teacher by Jordyn - June 2021 Scholarship Essay

When asked who is the most influential teacher I’ve ever had, I immediately thought of Mrs. W. She was my second grade teacher, and even now eight years later, I will never forget the lessons she taught or the compassion she showed her students.

Upon entering her classroom for the first time, it was like walking into a fairytale. The walls were decorated with scenes of a forest, trees and rivers; it was magical. The extraordinary amount of time and effort she must have put into creating such an enjoyable setting for her second graders to experience astounded me, even at eight years old.

The first day of school was always scary for me, but the books and stuffed animals and bean bags that filled her room put me right at ease. Just like her classroom, Mrs. W had a way of making kids feel comfortable. With a bright smile and a warm hug, I felt more loved and more seen and more special than I ever have in my whole life. She would listen when I talked, she would hold my hand if I was sad, she would be my friend when nobody else was.

Mrs. W did so much for me than teach me my times tables. She taught me to be kind to other people, to show grace and forgiveness and to treat others how I wanted to be treated. She taught me that school and my grades did not define who I was or what I could achieve. She taught me to be the person I am today, and for that I am forever grateful.

Words truly cannot accurately describe the amazing personality of Mrs. W. I would not be the same without the early influence that she had on my life, and think the person I am today would make her proud. Mrs. W was so much more than my teacher, she was my role model and my friend.