My Academic Role Model by KYLA

My Academic Role Model by KYLA - March 2021 Scholarship Essay

I have had several academic role models in my school career. It is hard to choose just one. I have had some teachers who pushed me harder than others. I have had teachers be there for me emotionally through my struggles. I have had teachers that were painfully smart and I left their rooms feeling like I had learned more than a college lesson. One teacher comes to my mind, when I think about all of these things. Mr. Sam Reeves.

Mr. Reeves taught me duel-credit College History on paper. That's what his job description said anyway. He was so much more than that to me. He has been a teacher over 50 years. He is 75 and still teaching everyday. He taught me that work ethic was more than showing up everyday; work ethic is enjoying and being passionate about your job. Mr. Reeves also taught me that I am stronger than I give myself credit for at times. When I had to have heart surgery, he motivated me daily and sent balloons and goodies to my hospital room. He also encourages his students by showing up at ballgames, pageants, or other outside school activities. He reminds us that we are not just a grade on a paper, but we are a work of God.

I have been blessed to have many academic role models in my school career. Mr. Reeves is the first one that comes to my mind when thinking of all of the role model criteria that should be in place for consideration. He is caring, intelligent, has great work ethic and puts his student's needs above his own. I could not ask for a better role model than him.