Lessons from the Pres. by Klarissa

Lessons from the Pres. by Klarissa - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Most people go to school for thirteen plus years. Generally, throughout every one of those years, we are introduced to new teachers. Some teachers are liked more than others. Sometimes we encounter those few teachers that have an impact on our lives. I learned plenty of lessons my senior year of high school, but probably one of the most important lessons I learned came from my math teacher, Mr. Pressley.
Growing up, I was always sort of ashamed of where I came from. My family wasn’t that well off like most of my friends families were. I saw school as my way into a life that was bigger and better. During my senior year, two of my classes; AP Calculus and AP Statistics, I had the same teacher, Mr. Pressley. To many students, Mr. Pressley, who I called Pres., was their worst nightmare, for me he would forever change my outlook on life.
Usually Mr. Pressley’s classes were all business, but occasionally, there were days where he would talk to us about going out into the world and growing up. Pres. did not have any family but yet he always made the best out of every day. He would always tell us not to forget where we came from because that is what made us who we are.
My senior year, Mr. Pressley was a finalist for NC Teacher of the Year. With the award money he won, he started a scholarship program that would be given out starting my senior year. He did not publicly announce his plans for the scholarship program, as no one knew about it until he awarded two students with scholarships at the end of the school year. Without even knowing it, Mr. Pressley taught me the greatest lesson, to always be humble and to give back.
I had always wanted to have a life like the rich kids who got whatever they wanted, but would that have made me humble? My answer to that is probably not. Until my senior year, I was selfish, only caring for myself. Now I am more appreciative of my mom, and where I come from. I look at my life as a lesson to learn from; to help others to not look upon their lives as I once did and not appreciate it. Being humble and giving back to people is the greatest lesson that Mr. Pressley could have taught me and I am forever thankful. His guidance is a big part of how I was so successful in my first year college, I give all my gratitude to him.