The person who made me who I am today. by lizbeth

The person who made me who I am today. by lizbeth - October 2019 Scholarship Essay

Someone who inspires me academically is my old geography teacher. I met her during my freshman year in high school, and I was extremely afraid of her. She screamed at me once when I didn't speak in class, and I wanted to cry because I didn't know anyone, and I'm extremely shy around new people. After that, I decided I wanted to try and talk so I wouldn't be yelled at, but I realized I didn't like her class anymore, I thought she was a great instructor, but she was really rude.When freshman year was over, I was glad I didn't have to see her for a while. I didn't think I'd spend any time with her again, but my friend suggested that we go to say hello and sit in her classroom for lunch. We went and said hello, she asked me and two friends after a couple of weeks later if we wanted to try cross country I didn't want to, but she said it would be fun. I decided to try it out, it was difficult for me, I didn't think I would be able to run, she told me I was doing the hardest sport because It was mentally challenging. She knew I was struggling, but she helped me through it, and she encouraged me to keep going and try harder once I ran a mile without stopping, I was proud of myself. I felt like I could do anything, and if I put my mind to do something, no matter how hard the challenge is, I could get through it. I've been doing cross country ever since, and I've spent so much time with her. She's supported me through so much at school. She pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and made me try different things at school that I would never have done without her. I joined theater and choir and she supported me through it all telling me that I was amazing. She's been there to encourage me every step of the way she's helped me out when I felt I couldn't get into the college classes at school, but she's always been there for me. I don’t think I'll ever be able to thank her enough for everything she's done.