Lighting the Fire by Michael

Lighting the Fire by Michael - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

Many times we find the average student stuck in an uninspiring routine of going to school because of parental or external pressures. Students generally feel pulled to complete a certain predetermined list of requirements and it is not exactly motivating to say the least. These methods were invented by people students have never talked to and the students are told it is the best blanket solution for everyone. While I was once caught in this rut, seeing very little freedom within the midst of regulation and standardized learning, my 11th grade US History teacher really changed my perspective on learning.

One could describe my attitude toward high school as sour at best. I had honestly 11 years worth of conditioning of going to school on a regimented schedule with no way to express my frustrations or hope to possibly make a difference. As I made my way through the classes though, Mr. Scalia was there always waiting with a smile, time for me and a couple really appreciated bad jokes.

Mr. Scalia was very characteristic of taking so much time out of his day to listen and talk with his students. Many times other students and I would linger after class to just talk to him and have him brighten our day. The way he taught history was not done merely to fulfill a mandate from his supervisors, but rather to help us see how we can apply these lessons to have a more successful life. Time after time he would think ahead of what would be difficult for the class to understand and present it so clearly and simply to give us the best chance to make the right decision. We felt as if he was not out to get the better of us as lower students, but rather to uplift, inspire and support us with our everyday challenges. When I saw this unusual excitement he demonstrated toward me, I felt something ignite in me not only for his class, but for everything else that was education. I finally understood the reason of why I was going to school.

I realized through the teaching of Mr. Scalia, that the fire that comes through knowledge, is supposed to be used to help others. It's not enough to exist in this world; we have to try to make it a better place. Maybe my talent will not be in education, but I learned to appreciate and value education to be able to spread the positive impact Mr. Scalia had on me. I know with that as we learn more, we will be able to change the world for the better.

I am very grateful for all the love and care Mr. Scalia showed to me. It made me learn to have a more positive attitude towards school, and gave me something that developed into a blazing desire to help someone each and every day. I esteem very highly the educators that really do care and strive to change lives. Mr. Scalia was able to pull me out of the dark monotony I felt towards education, and I know he'll only continue doing so for many more.