A Lesson I Will Never Forget by Kyle

A Lesson I Will Never Forget by Kyle - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning”, quote from Brad Henry, former governor of Oklahoma. During my school career, my teachers have been role models, counselors, friends, leaders, and mentors, aside from being exceptional educators. From each teacher I was able to gain something unique based on their experiences and backgrounds that provided wisdom for how I would want to lead my life and contribute to society. Of all the life lessons that I was provided, the one that stands out most to me is that of my current high school music director, Mr. Van Dyke.

On my very first day of high school, I had the great fortune of having Mr. Van Dyke’s orchestra class. He began by welcoming everyone to the school and telling us how blessed we were to be here, for it was a highly competitive school that many students applied to but few were accepted. Mr. Van Dyke, knowing this, but also not caring for it said to us “You cannot be mediocre! Many students wish they could be a part of a program like this, to be in a school like this, and regardless of what brought you here, you cannot afford to be mediocre!” Immediately upon hearing this it awakened me to understand just how blessed I was to have the opportunity of a lifetime to go to the best high school in my county, yet it also demonstrated the humility with which I should accept such an honor, an honor that he believed came with immense responsibility. Mr. Van Dyke continued to explain exactly what he meant and how much we should want to eagerly and passionately learn and study while at the school, knowing that there were so many who did not get the opportunity to come to the school. His words also challenged me to think about others and to want to help, inspire, motivate, and uplift people. The service projects that I embarked upon in my community, like the teen court program that provides a second chance to teenagers, the bingo nights hosted by the Waldorf Jaycees, or just the ability to listen to someone else and empathize with their story rather than judging them could all be attributed to Mr. Van Dyke’s wake up call to everyone on our first day.

Mr. Van Dyke’s passion, commitment, and enthusiasm make me want to not only contribute to his class, but to also contribute to my school, community, and society in creative and unimaginable ways. He inspired me to push myself further, academically and socially, and to be a catalyst for change. Whenever I feel like my school work is too much or that I am not as smart as other kids in the program, I think back to Mr. Van Dyke’s words of wisdom from the first day, they become a solace for which I can hold my head up proudly. Mr. Van Dyke’s life lesson that we have a moral obligation to be the best that we can be will not only be applicable to high school, but to a world much broader than that. On that first day, I reflect about whether Mr. Van Dyke knew the power of his words, or if he just thought he was fulfilling his responsibility as a teacher. Regardless of the answer to that question, I know that his love for teaching students will always be a part of who I am.