Inspiration in the Form of a Geography Teacher by Kari

Inspiration in the Form of a Geography Teacher by Kari - March 2013 Scholarship Essay

The most influential teacher I have ever had was Bob Werner. Mr. Werner is a Geography professor at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was my teacher my first semester and also my advisor. The first day of class I had with him, I could tell how much he loved his job. He was so passionate about the world, the countries, and the people in it. He knew everything minute fact about each country we studied and he didn’t even use notes. The majority of his knowledge came from first hand experiences.  The number of countries he has visited is unbelievable. I hope someday that I can say that I have seen as much of the world as he has. I think it gives him a whole new prospective on life, seeing the world through other people’s eyes. He encouraged us all to go to each place he has gone and even gave us various traveling tips such as where to stay, what to eat, and what locals to find and talk to. You can see the spark in his eyes each day during class, especially when teaching his favorite country, Bolivia. It’s as if you can see the fire ignited within him reflecting through his eyes. He helped me decide to minor in Spanish and possibly pursue a career in International Business. A degree where I will hopefully be able to travel and see as much of the world as I possibly can. He also suggested that I study abroad which I plan on doing in the fall of my junior year and travel to Spain. Watching Bob Werner do his job so well and so passionately makes me want to find my calling in life and love it as much as he loves his career. He is a true inspiration.