Mrs. Street and the Road She Placed me on by Luis

Mrs. Street and the Road She Placed me on by Luis - May 2014 Scholarship Essay

It seems like a common theme at this point in history that whenever someone seems to be rewarded for their accomplishments they seem to always thank "all those who didn't believe in me, because you've pushed me to prove you all wrong". While in some scenarios yes the naysayers and doubters may seem to be a form of motivation, I personally didn't feel too fond of being criticized.

The very first time I had to encounter this was in the fifth grade when my teacher Ms. Pattie Kimberly told me I wouldn't amount to anything and wouldn't succeed unless I stop messing around and "just grow up". The remainder of that year I turned into a more serious child and only really talked when I was playing baseball, yet even then I was not close to the fun-loving, laughter-filled child I had been. Then sixth grade came and Ms. Street was my teacher, a stroke of luck I remember every day.

Ms. Sonja Street is a women I will never forget. She had known me throughout the years because my older brother Hector was her student as well; therefore, she knew how I normally acted and could sense something strange about my behavior in the past year and the beginning of sixth grade year as well. She sat my 12-year-old self down and asked me if I was alright or if something was bothering me. Since my poker face wasn't exactly at its full potential yet she knew I was lying when I whispered to her that nothing was wrong. She continued to ask me what the problem was and I told her about what Ms. Kimberly had told me last year. She seemed sorry for me and told me something I appreciated more than I think she could ever know. "Just keep being who you are and stay true to yourself". She told me that she doesn't want me to grow up too fast, that I should stay adventurous and that no matter what happens she thinks I'll do great things in my future. How she could assume this when I was in the sixth grade I'll never know but none the less I greatly appreciate her comments.

The idea of not growing up--contrary to what Ms. Kimberly had told me--confused me at first but I understood the idea of being who I really am. Later this characteristic of being out going and trying to things worked to my advantage. Some of the most recent examples of this can be seen in the choices I've made my last two years of high school. For example I hadn't held a position on the Associated Student Body (ASB) board until this year because last year I decided to take a risk and run for ASB President: I won. I decided to join a different group of kids from the rest of Putnam and pursue a Full International Baccalaureate Diploma. And finally, the summit of my adventurous spirit, I've committed to moving three thousand miles away from home to attend New York University in New York City.
Without Ms. Street's encouragement I don't think I'd be remotely where I am today. I wouldn't be ASB president, I wouldn't have a full senior year schedule due to IB, and I would probably be going to a local state school or community college. To answer your question: The best educational advice I've ever received was Ms. Street's to be true to who I am. Yes, maybe not clearly related to education but that wasn't the issue at this point in my life; I've always been a smart kid but it was at this point with this advice that I was told to go outside my comfort zone. Something I can apply to all aspects of my life including education.

From the bottom of my heart I'd like to thank Ms. Sonja Street and I'd like to thank the scholarship committee for helping spread the story of this amazing women: Ms. Sonja Street from Oak Grove Elementary School, in small town Milwaukie, Oregon. Thank you.