The Life Changing Impact of a Teacher by Kallie

The Life Changing Impact of a Teacher by Kallie - November 2020 Scholarship Essay

The aspect of my education that I am the most thankful for are my teachers. Throughout my elementary and high school education, my teachers have sculpted who I am as an individual. These important role models and arguably second parents of my childhood have not only taught me important life skills but have also given me opportunities that I would not have otherwise had.

From a young age, a common saying among my teachers that always stuck with me was, “only you can decide where to take your life." As a child of heroin addicted parents, I felt discouraged with my education, and was always told that school "didn't matter." However, when I reached middle school, I started to take to heart what my teachers had always told me. I told myself that it was completely up to me if I wanted to become successful after graduation, and I began to become conscious of my own grades and life decisions. My teachers also encouraged me to become involved in sports, school activities, and community service projects. This helped me learn discipline, responsibility, and to surround myself with positive influences.

In high school, my teachers were aware of my struggles outside of school. Not only did they give me hope that I could still be successful, but they also provided me with a person that I could turn to for help with anything I needed. One teacher had even brought me coffee to class occasionally and it showed me that there really was someone that cared about me. Many of my teachers helped me in the ways that my parents never could such as making sure I was getting enough sleep at night and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This meant the world to me because no matter how stressful life became, I always knew how to stay strong and keep pushing to accomplish my goals in school and life.

I am thankful for the education I have been provided, and most of all I am thankful for the role models I have been provided throughout it. Every teacher, no matter what subject they teach, has an impact on their students' lives. For some students it may be learning to read. For me however, it was learning that no matter where you come from, no matter what situation you are in, it is ultimately your decision where you take your potential and go about achieving your goals.