From Average to Exceptional by Kristy

From Average to Exceptional by Kristy - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

School had always come easy for me and I was able to get good grades without ever studying for a class. I was devastated when I brought home my first “D”. At that very moment I hated Mr. Reevis and even convinced myself that it was his fault I had gotten a bad grade.

The seventh grade Life Science Class was taught by a young and slightly arrogant man that many of the students disliked. He was known to be a tough teacher, that didn’t take any flak from his students. He also expected his students to earn their grades.

I was an obnoxious preteen who wanted to fit in. I was a straight “A” student, but had plenty of time to socialize because most of the time school didn’t require much effort. Almost every kid in the class had gotten a low grade on the quiz. The other students were blaming the teacher for his poor teaching skills, and I followed suit. Of course it was his fault that my grade was low.

My parents were upset with my grade, listened to my case and demanded a parent teacher conference. Mr. Reevis told my parents that I was a very smart girl, but that I did not apply myself. For the first time in my life someone said I wasn’t trying hard enough. After a lengthy conversation with my parents, I acknowledged that it was true I had not studied very hard for the quiz and promised to try harder.

For the rest of the year I worked very hard to bring my grades up in his class. Giving him my full attention in class, and reading every chapter and even taking notes. I completed all my assignments to exceed expectations, rather then to meet them. It was him that made me realize that just being average wasn’t good enough. I started working harder in all my classes and became the student I am. One that doesn’t just coast through school but who works hard to gain knowledge in every class to be an exceptional person.