Dreaded Science by Kari

Dreaded Science by Kari - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

There are some people who gravitate to science naturally, and then there are some who have a teacher who makes the subject enjoyable for the rest of the population. I had the great pleasure of having a teacher who taught me to enjoy science, her name is Mrs. Banks and she taught 9th grade science. This teacher taught me not only how to do well in a subject that I dreaded but also a different way of looking at obstacles.

My 9th grade year began with me at a new school and no friends. I had a very full schedule and that year I was required to take Physical Science. I walked into class that very first day to a kind faced woman. She had a pleasant voice, knowing eyes,and a sweet smile. She didn’t seem like my dead-panned science teachers of prior grades. While she seemed amazing it was still science, how could she make it better.

That first day after class I went up to her and introduced myself formally. I told her that I had never been very good at science and she tried to put my mind at ease saying she would help me every step of the way as long as I promised to be open to learning. That day a bond was forged between student and teacher.
Throughout the course of the year she held up her end of the bargain and so did I. I did my homework and she checked it and made sure I understood what I had gotten wrong. She really put forth effort to teach so that we all understood, not just spewing out facts that had to be memorized and produced upon test day. I remember my very first test I got a 99 percent on and I just knew that it had to be wrong. I did not make A’s in science much less 1 point shy of a perfect score. There was a smiley face on the paper I was holding and a smile on my face too.

Mrs. Banks made me get out of the stereotype I had boxed myself into and opened my eyes. She taught me that you shouldn’t just give up on something because it is hard but to try harder and give it a shot. I am so thankful for her, and her leadership, and opening the door to finding joy in learning new things. She cultivated a self confidence that I had not known before. Thanks to Mrs. Banks, I don’t dread science any more, or any other subject for that matter.