"I am somebody." by Olivia

"I am somebody." by Olivia - June 2021 Scholarship Essay

“I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I will be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here. I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go. I am somebody!”

This is what Mrs. Teresa Bivens’ 6th grade English class recited every single day we came to her class. The first time our class spoke it with her, we all laughed because we didn’t understand the significance of speaking such powerful affirmations. Looking back, I know realize it was a chant used to inspire confidence and perseverance in us, her students. It was effective because, as the year went on, we no longer giggled as we said it but began to wait patiently for her to announce that it was time to say, as we termed it, the “I am Somebody” chant, and would even remind her when she forgot. It was so impactful that when I saw the same poem in another classroom this summer while taking the ACT, I smiled and whispered it to myself before I began my test. Mrs. Bivens also saw potential in some of the quieter students, myself included, and pushed us out of our comfort zones. One day in class, she announced that we would be having a debate in front of a large group of 6th and 7th grade students on whether natural disasters or war was more destructive. Five people would be picked for each team. I remember being interested in participating but was too nervous and shy to tell Mrs. Bivens. She, however, decided that all students would try out during a mock debate we would have in class. Two by two, we went up and argued the power of natural disasters and the ethics involved in war. I remember thinking I did well after my speech but, always the pessimist, believed I had not been good enough to earn a spot on a team. Later that week, the teams were announced over the intercom. I waited patiently as name after name was called until the last position came up. It was then that I discovered that I had gotten the spot, as, not a writer or time keeper, but a speaker. This completely shocked me. I enjoyed writing and thought that was where I would be placed (if I had been placed at all). But, Mrs. Bivens, saw something in me, believed I could talk confidently in public, and gave me a speaking role. It was this belief in me that made me decide to accept the position. The debate itself was a fun and, simultaneously, nerve wracking experience. I was anxious to present my team’s points in front of so many people but I was able to do it successfully.

I look back on that experience with fond memories and remember it as one of the first times I truly felt seen by a teacher.