The Final Lesson by Max

The Final Lesson by Max - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Six years ago, my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Werth, was always cheerful and excited about teaching, but one day something changed. She came into our class and spoke with uncertainty, sadness, and a hint of despair. She told us both her husband and father died because a drunk driver sped through a red light, but she whispered something that sticks with me to this day. Trying to stay strong, Mrs. Werth said with the most sincerity, “Nothing in your life is promised. It owes you nothing.” At the time, I never realized what she meant, but years later I have finally learned her last and most important lesson.

First, “Nothing in your life is promised.” Every night I watch the ABC Nightly News, and it shows the world in chaos, crisis, and anarchy. One day a doctor is treating the wounded in Syria, but the next day the same doctor is fleeing for their life. One night a peaceful demonstration took place, but the next morning the city is in ruins. Once I grew older, I learned what Mrs. Werth meant. Life can change in a matter of seconds because of conflicts outside of one’s reach. One day you are there, but the next day you are no longer.

Secondly, “It owes you nothing.” As negative as it may sound, Mrs. Werth was right. Life is the gift you are entitled; fortune or fame is an add-on that must be worked for or earned. Very rarely will people get to the top without help from another; money or luck will never fall from the sky. If your goal is finding loopholes or cheating those around you, it will never work. Life will always catch up sooner or later. I learned that by working hard, you will earn your fortune.

In conclusion, “Nothing in your life is promised. It owes you nothing.” means life is a gift, and you should be fortunate with any situation you are given. Mrs. Werth’s final lesson is the most important concept that could never be taught in school. Her lesson dealt with the reality of life in the real world. In essence, Mrs. Werth taught me that life is a precious and unique gift.