Lesson Learned by Puentes

Lesson Learned by Puentes - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

It may not always be fun to wake up around 5:00am everyday so I can catch my bus around 6:45am. School may not always be the most exciting place to be, however, when I reflect on all the teachers I have had throughout my educational career, I realized that every teacher had an impact on my life whether it be the patience they have had for me, or how they are always willing to help and listen to me with anything that I may need. One teacher I will never forget, Mr. Gilbert, has taught me many lessons. Mr. Gilbert was my eighth grade history teacher in Gifford Middle School. Mr. Gilbert has taught me many lessons about the real world and how to thrive in it as well as the required lessons about U.S. history. I look up to Mr. Gilbert as a positive role model. Mr. Gilbert has taught me a lesson about peer pressure and perseverance.
Mr. Gilbert loved me from the beginning, because I remember on my first homework assignment he gave me more credit than I deserved. I felt guilty and immediately told him about the mistake although I really wanted to keep my A on my homework assignment. He took away the extra points and smiled at me. I was confused on the sudden expression. He told me that he admired my honesty and that I should keep it up. I was always a good straight A student in Mr. Gilbert’s class; in the 8th grade in general. However, I used to have a problem saying no to kids who wanted to cheat off my papers. One day we were taking a test and the boy right next to me asked to see my paper. At first I was very annoyed, because I knew he was a slacker. I refused at first but he persisted. Finally I slid my paper over. Low and behold, Mr. Gilbert saw the act. He walked over to the boy and me and shook his head. My heart sunk. Mr. Gilbert took both of our papers and wrote a big fat zero on them. I felt like that day was the worst day in my life. I have disappointed Mr. Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert told me to wait after class. He talked to me about the importance of not being afraid to say no to my peers no matter what, especially when I’m under pressure. He made me realize how my bad decision caused me to receive a zero on a test I studied all night for. Ever since that day I had no problem saying no to anyone who did not have my best interest at heart.
Mr. Gilbert is the type of person who encourages you on anything positive you do. As I said before, I was always a good student in his class. Many days Mr. Gilbert would have me stay a minute or two after class to talk to me about continuing to excel in school. His support and his enthusiasm has driven me to want more out of my educational career which is why I took Advanced Placement classes in high school. Mr. Gilbert always believed in me. I used to be in school plays and he would be there for support. My mom always appreciated his efforts. Since then, giving up was not on my agenda in anything I put my mind to.
Mr. Gilbert is an amazing teacher with many life and school lessons to share with his students. I am so grateful to have had him as my 8th grade teacher. His lessons have given me many insights on being a good person and student in general. Qualities such as honesty, perseverance, hardworking and kind-hearted are all characteristics that will take me far in life. I continue to be that person. I am now 12 credits away from obtaining my AA degree and I plan on attending University of Central Florida for my Physical Therapy degree next fall. I thank all the teachers for all they do, especially Mr. Gilbert.

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