Someone who believed in me by Keira

Someone who believed in me by Keira - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Mrs. Delancey wasn’t officially my math teacher during freshman year, but she became one of the most influential mentors in my life. Every day during third period I would go to the math help room where she was stationed. I was taking Algebra 1 Honors and I often struggled to have confidence in myself and comprehend the material. I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I could succeed, but Mrs. Delancey never let me feel that way. She greeted me with a smile, patiently explained concepts, and celebrated even the smallest progress I made. Her encouragement kept me motivated to succeed.

One of the first times she made a difference for me was when she helped me prepare for the Algebra 1 Keystones. I was overwhelmed with balancing the test content and field hockey. Each week, she worked with me on my weekly workouts and reviews. She found creative ways to break down difficult problems and helped me believe I could do well. Her consistency and belief in me helped me pass the exam with confidence and an advanced score.

I trusted her advice beyond just math. Toward the end of freshman year, she encouraged me to take geometry over the summer so I could advance a math level. I doubted myself and worried I wasn’t ready, but she assured me I could succeed if I worked hard. Her faith in me pushed me to take on the challenge. By junior year I was in her Accelerated Honors Pre-Calculus class and in Senior year I took AP Calculus and AP Statistics.

Having her as my teacher junior year was one of the best parts of my high school experience. I was learning to study, stay disciplined, and build good habits. Before one of our biggest tests, she helped me set up a study plan that made the material less overwhelming. She taught me to break the content into smaller sections and focus on what I didn’t understand. I carried those habits into other classes and saw improvements across the board.

She also supported me outside of academics. Mrs. Delancey always asked about field hockey and encouraged me before big games. When I told her I planned to pursue pre-med at Wesleyan University while playing varsity field hockey, she was so excited for me. She even wrote one of my recommendation letters for my application. Knowing that someone like her believed in my potential meant the world to me.

Looking back, I realize how much Mrs. Delancey’s guidance shaped my journey. She didn’t just help me pass a test or move up a math level, she taught me how to work hard, stay positive, and believe in myself. She was there during moments when I felt stuck, whether it was struggling with algebra or navigating my next steps. Her constant encouragement helped me grow into a more confident and determined student.

Thanks to Mrs. Delancey, I approach challenges with the mindset that I can overcome them. Her impact will stay with me long after high school. I’m grateful for everything she taught me and hope to carry her lessons with me as I pursue my dream of becoming a family physician.