Murphy by Samantha

Murphy by Samantha - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

As soon as I read this prompt a name instantly popped into my head, Murphy. My high school Ag Mechanics teacher. Ag Mechanics is a class where we primarily learn welding however this class taught me the power of perseverance and helped build my confidence through my welding instructor Mr. Murphy. Me being a small female in a male dominated blue collar class was intimidating, especially my freshman year. I came into the class not knowing what a welder even looked like and much less how to use one. All the guys in the class felt they were naturally gifted and because they were male they were better at it. However from the start Murphy told me anything the guys could do I can do too. Mr. Murphy saw past any stereotypes and always had faith in me even when I did not believe in myself. Little did I expect my shop teacher to be one of my best support systems and mentors throughout high school.
Looking back on my early years I appreciated Murphy so much because of his honesty. While he made it clear he always believed in me and would let me know when my welds looked great he would also always let me know when they looked awful. This is something most teachers don't say to your face however I greatly admire and appreciate it. By my junior year I became one of the best welding students in the school and was at the top of my class. I would finish my work early in my other classes just to go to the shop and work on a project. The shop became a safe space for me, almost like the hangout spot. In junior year I began to ponder my life after high school. I am not very close with my parents and did not feel comfortable talking to the counselor about this so I would go to Murphy. He gave me countless pieces of advice and allowed me to open up about anything and feel comfortable.
When senior year rolled around I thought about my future more and still was unsure about what path I wanted to take or even what exactly I wanted to do. Murphy told me about his path to becoming an Ag Teacher and how it was very different from the other 2 Ag teachers at our school but they still ended up at the same place. He let me know that there isn’t only one way to do something and that life is not like a test where there is only one answer. Murphy was always there for me and made time to talk. On one occasion I told him that I was considering junior college after high school. I told Murphy I had talked to a family friend that told me junior college is for high school dropouts or people that can't get into an actual university. Murphy told me that is not true at all and that junior college is a great option. He told me about general ed and how you spend the first 2 years in a University doing almost the same as a junior college. Murphy said that there is no shame in any type of higher education as it is all to better yourself and your future. I told him I was highly considering junior college and he said he supported it and thought it was great.
Recently I got accepted into my top UC and got a good financial aid offer. I told Murphy how I was feeling stressed because I had made up my mind but now I was unsure again and did not know where I wanted to go after high school. He told me that it's okay to feel stressed as this is a big decision in my life however whatever route I choose to do he knows I will be great. Murphy has been a great support system and has had a tremendous impact on my educational career. Through his advice, reassurance but most importantly believing in me. I will forever be thankful for him. So as strange as it may sound coming from the girl with a 4.0 who always has her hair and makeup done the person who had the greatest positive impact on my education is my high school Ag Mechanics teacher, Mr. Murphy.