Proud to be a Future Teacher by Kayla

Proud to be a Future Teacher by Kayla - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

One of my greatest academic achievements would be when I was selected as the recipient of my school district’s teacher scholarship. Every year seniors who are going to college to be a teacher can apply for the Kutztown Area Teacher’s Association Scholarship (KATA). In my senior class there were three students, including myself, who applied and took the time to fill out the time consuming application and essays that were required.

At our senior awards night when I was called up to accept the KATA Scholarship I couldn’t have been more happy and ecstatic. Winning this scholarship meant the world to me and was considered a big deal throughout the district. Over the course of the school year teachers contribute money that goes to the scholarship and whoever is chosen to receive the scholarship is up to the standards of hundreds of teachers, district wide.

Not that I am boasting, but teachers take it very seriously since they are the ones who are paying for the four year scholarship. Once I stood up and walked across the stage to receive the envelope congratulating me on being chosen as the recipient I saw my guidance counselor Mr. Brett beaming just as much as I was. I knew he was proud of me and what I would eventually accomplish as a teacher. Once we exchanged remarks and lots of happiness, to say the least, I looked out towards the audience and saw so many of my past teachers. I saw numerous teachers from high school, middle school, and even a few elementary school teachers who are looked at me with such pride.

From that moment on I had the determination and urge to become a teacher and be like my teachers were. I wanted to be able to be in their places as they looked upon a past student of theirs that had been chosen for their excellence. The week after senior awards night many teachers came up to me personally and congratulated me on being chosen for the KATA Scholarship, and expressing to me their happiness that I was chosen for such a prestigious award.

The real impact on me from being selected for the KATA Scholarship was that I could one day be able to contribute to a scholarship for future teachers and glow in pride as one of my students accept the award. Since receiving the award I have that reminder to push me in keeping my grades up, continuing my studies when times get rough, and sticking with my plan of being a teacher.