My most important lesson by Kristen

My most important lesson by Kristen - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

During my high school career, I learned numerous lessons by numerous teachers. However, the most important lesson I have learned would be from my old social studies teacher, Mr. Tamm. He taught me the importance of appreciating what you have, when you have it. About halfway through my senior year of high school, which was going by like lightning, Mr. Tamm was telling us about how when he was a freshman in both high school and college, the year seemed to drag on and go by slower than when he was a senior. This makes sense because when a person experiences something for the first time, they are not acclimated to it yet, so it appears to go by slower. On the contrary, when a person is accustomed to an experience, the monotony of it causes it to seem like it goes by faster.
As Mr. Tamm was explaining this, I began to think back to my freshmen year and how I had a similar feeling. My freshmen year did not go by nearly as fast as my senior year did. I realized that I was extremely excited when I was freshman because I was experiencing all these new things in high school, but by the time I was a senior, I was just ready to get out and move onto something new and better. Also in that moment, I realized that I was completely taking high school for granted. I was not appreciating the free education I had and I was not taking advantage of all the worry and relatively stress free days I had. Upon realizing this, I promised myself that I would make the most out of the rest of my senior year and I that I would do the same in college. I made a commitment to myself that I would not repeat my high school attitude in college. I will appreciate every moment of my time in college, even when I am senior because I do not want to have the regret of not taking advantage of all that I am offered.
The most important lesson a teacher ever taught me is to always appreciate what you are given and make the most out of it while you have it. So, thank you Mr. Tamm, for teaching me this valuable lesson because it is sure to stick with me for the rest of my life.