A Tribute to my Stats Teacher by Ruth

A Tribute to my Stats Teacher by Ruth - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my K-12 education, I have been fortunate with educators who have profoundly impacted my journey. One teacher who stands out in my heart is my senior AP Statistics teacher, Mrs. O’Brien. With her delightful jokes, she brought so much joy to my mornings, effortlessly brightening my classmates and my day. Despite my struggles with math, Mrs. O’Brien’s caring teaching style and encouragement lit a spark within me during my senior year of high school. Her energetic approach made the subject enjoyable, crafting an inclusive atmosphere where every student felt valued, especially me. Even in the earliest of classes, I always looked forward to learning and starting my day with a bit of statistics. What truly struck me about Mrs. O’Brien was her unwavering belief in her students, no matter how bad the situation was. She consistently offered her support if you struggled with a test, encouraging you to take advantage of her tutorial hours after school. One memorable moment that stands out to me was when I went to one of Mrs. O’Brien’s tutorial days. I was really struggling with one of my main subjects, and an exam was just around the corner. She was so patient with me and my classmates, taking the time to explain things in a way that made sense. What I loved most about Mrs. O’Brien was how she would incorporate little breaks into our study sessions. Whether it was a quick stretch, a fun dance break, or even a sweet treat break, she always made learning enjoyable! She was an amazing soul with a lovely sense of humor. She taught remarkably well and made sure everyone had notes and examples to follow along. Thanks to her, I not only gained a better understanding of statistics but also learned valuable lessons in perseverance and building meaningful connections with others. I often find myself fondly recalling her morning jokes, which still inspire me as I navigate my college lectures. One of her jokes I remember was: “Do you know what mathematicians do after it snows? They make snow angles!” *insert laughing class* This isn’t one of her best gems, but it was one I could remember from the top of my head.
Mrs. O’Brien truly enjoyed her job and would demonstrate it to her students. She was well-known on campus and had great relationships with other teachers. She would support every sport, including soccer, which I participated in at the time. Today, she is working in the school district to help make a difference in the school education system. She is advocating for a better curriculum for students as well as better pay for all teachers. Educators like Mrs. O’Brien have the incredible power to make a lasting difference in the classroom, and I am committed to being that kind of teacher for my future students, ensuring that they feel joy and support in their learning journeys.