Good ol' Johnny Appleseed by Samantha

Good ol' Johnny Appleseed by Samantha - June 2019 Scholarship Essay

My third grade teacher, Mrs. Eddy, was the sweetest, elderly teacher a third grader could ask for. She sang us a catchy song to remember all 50 states, she gave us extra recess, and even let us have a Johnny Appleseed Day. Johnny Appleseed Day was April 1st of 2008. I was 8 years old going through my parents divorce, my brother leaving for the Army, and my sister going off to college. My house went from a five person home to two in six months. Mrs. Eddy and I were very close and she always let me sit next to her during story time and in my third grade mind this was the jackpot of third grade. When Johnny Appleseed day was approaching I was so excited because my moms apple crisp was my absolute favorite dessert. I wanted my whole class including Mrs. Eddy to try it. April 1st had finally rolled around and my mom came and dropped off her warm apple crisp. Mrs. Eddy was fully aware of what was happening in my life outside of the classroom, although at the time I did not know that. Some days I would come into class and she could just tell I was sad, or I would come back to class from counseling and would fake being sick. I am unsure why Johnny Appleseed Day has stuck with me all these years, but I am sure glad it did. I was able to give everyone in my class a piece of apple crisp and some kids even got seconds, another jackpot for my third grade self. This made my heart so full, and Mrs. Eddy too. I remember she told me that it is okay to have fun party days, even when I feel a little sad. Party days with other kids will always make for smiles and yummy dessert.
It is now June of 2019 and I still take that little quote from my third grade teacher to heart every single day. I have moved very far in my education and made great triumphs. But just as normal, rough days do come along. Being an adult is hard, and it is tiring, but if you have a little party with great friends, or just a party day with yourself, your mind resets and you find yourself again. I have to remember this especially when I work 40 hour weeks or have multiple exams. It is completely okay to take a break, go get coffee, or do some stretches. Mrs. Eddy did not mean have a literal party, she meant it is okay to take a step back and breathe. I have made it my personal goal to teach this to the children I babysit on a weekly basis. I think it is important during lower and higher education to always remember to take a break and everything will fall into place. When I think of what she said I think about making sure to surround myself with people I love. Do not lay in bed all day, but get up and see people. As humans, we know other human interaction is good for us. Mrs. Eddy's advice can be taken in many different directions, especially from an educational aspect. I know it has gotten me through the years, and I hope I pass along her message just as she would have wanted.