Overcoming Obstacles by Steffani

Overcoming Obstacles by Steffani - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

When I was in eighth grade, I was placed in advanced classes. The teacher I had for my advanced English class was one of the sweetest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Her name was Mrs. Cooper. She helped me with not only my school work and help me prepare for my freshman year of high school, but with other personal things outside of school that could have negative impacts on my work.
For a great majority of the past nine years of my life I have struggled with a generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I have tried my absolute hardest to not let these disorders impair my education and other matters. Every day I continue to fight. I will not be controlled by these setbacks and obstacles. In eighth grade, it seemed like that was one of the worst years for my anxiety and depression and unfortunately it showed in schoolwork. It was unlike me to struggle that hard. English has always been one of my most masterful subjects and I owe that to Mrs. Cooper and the teachers I had the pleasure of being taught by throughout high school and last year in my freshman year of college.
Mrs. Cooper knew I was struggling. She would help assure me that I could push through my problems and succeed. One thing she always told me was to not let the past hinder me. She encouraged me to speak to a counselor who could help me realize I wasn’t alone, and that there were healthy ways to cope. I have never had such an important lesson taught to me by a teacher before. It was so heartwarming and calming to know that someone understood.
I did listen to Mrs. Cooper and found the strength to begin seeing a therapist. I realized that helped very much, as well as certain breathing exercises and techniques for anxiety attacks, and too listen to my favorite bands when I was in a depressed mood. By the end of eighth grade, I was almost top of my class and had a ninety-nine percent in my English class.
If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Cooper, I may never have had the courage to seek help. Even though she taught English, she is one of the reasons why I am pursuing my psychology major at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. I know I will succeed, and I will not let the past hinder me, just like Mrs. Cooper said.