Teaching Imperfect Success by Sara

Teaching Imperfect Success by Sara - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

To say that I am hard on myself is an understatement. When I began high school, I did not just want to excel as a student, I wanted to be the best. I would stay up all night studying for a test just to ensure that I got the highest grade in the class. School suddenly was not about getting an education, but had become another competition that I wanted to win.

One day my English teacher, Mrs. Franz, handed back a paper that I had written. She had given me a 94% on the paper. Immediately, I went to her desk and began to question her as to why I had received such a low grade. Instead of telling me about how I could raise it, she told me to sit down so that she could talk to me for awhile. It turns out that Mrs. Franz had been the same type of student that I had been.

Mrs. Franz taught me that there is no way to reach perfection and that I should not try to. My eyes were opened to the fact that my reasoning for wanting good grades was all wrong. Now, instead of a competition, I think of my goal of getting my PhD in Psychology. I want to learn as much as I can so that I can be the best family counselor that I can be. When I don't get 100% it is no longer the end of the world! Thankfully, Mrs. Franz taught me the difference between pushing myself to achieve my goals and pressuring myself to reach perfection. Because of this amazing teacher, I enjoy learning again!