What was the most important lesson you’ve learned from a teacher? by Shajane

What was the most important lesson you’ve learned from a teacher? by Shajane - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

We have all had at least one person who has made a significant difference in our lives or at least made us reflect and reconsider our good or bad behavior in the past. It could have been a parent, teacher, sibling, neighbor, cousin, or grandparent. They have taught us or said something that have influenced us for the rest of our life. Whether it has been observing them take on a life challenge or just having a one on one talk with them. It took me sixteen long years to realize that person is made and continues to make a difference in my life is my life long teacher; my mother.
My mother, Norma Mitchell immigrated to New York City at the age of thirty two bringing her three daughters with her from Panama in 1994. Although she had a High School Diploma from Panama she was unable to speak or understand English. She only had her sisters, her best friend and her father to help her and her daughters gain some stability in a apartment in Brooklyn. Three months later she was able to acquire first job as as a security guard, which she kept for a year. Then she applied for a better paying job which gave her the opportunity to move out of Brooklyn and into Queens. Her next and final job was as a Skychief in 1996 at JFK Airport.
Three years later she met my father then became pregnant with me, but shortly after she conceived me things took a turn for the worse. In 2001 she had a life altering accident at her job. While picking up heavy packages she broke three spinal discs. In 2003 she was laid off from her job for disability, then the following year she underwent a surgery in order to fix her spinal damages.
After my mother in fact after being laid off from her job she fell into a deep depression. She continues to get out of her bed no matter what she maybe feeling and she has never let that get in the way of enjoying her life as much as she can. As teenager my sisters and I have all gotten into our share of trouble throughout the years and she has never given up on us. Instead, she confides in us her life experiences so that we do not repeat her mistakes. She has always told me, “No importa cuando la vida se pone dificil, te sacudes y sigues caminando recto (Mitchell).” Translation; “ When life gets difficult you shake it off and keep walking straight.”
To this day my sisters and I all have lived by at least one quote our mother has told us, but for me the above quote has changed me a lot, especially when it comes to my state of mind towards certain life situations. I always refer back to this for it has helped me let go of past troubles and keep moving forward so I can do my best in whatever I set my mind to and to pursue bigger and better things in life such as a higher education and a better outlook on life. For this I continue to thank my mother for all she has shown and told me.