Educators of the World by sydney

Educators of the World by sydney - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Brad Henry once said that “a good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” For me, I feel this statement is completely true. Throughout my educational career, I have had incredible science teachers that have passed down their inspiration, imagination and love of learning the subject to me. I cannot be more thankful for all of the science teachers that have made this huge impact on me.
It all began in middle school with my eighth grade science teacher. She was one of those nerdy science lovers that make it hard for the average student to not enjoy the subject too. My teacher had a serious affinity for Albert Einstein and even carved a pumpkin with his face in it for Halloween. What helped me get psyched about science, though, was the joy in her voice each time she was teaching the subject. She planted the seed for my love of science.
All throughout my educational career, I had succeeded fairly well in all of the courses I was required to take, but I had never really taken anything special with me besides the basic need-to-know information on the subject. This all changed when I entered my first chemistry class sophomore year of high school, and this is all thanks to the teacher I had. One could say that I had my “Ah-ha” moment that year. My teacher taught the subject with such devotion and love that I have taken that devotion and love with me throughout the rest of my education.
The love for chemistry continued when I entered my AP chemistry class sophomore year. Up until my senior year of high school, I had never encountered a teacher whose love for their subject showed in their teaching. Even though I already found my affinity for chemistry, her excitement and joy when teaching different chemistry subjects made learning more enjoyable than I really thought was possible. Both of my chemistry teachers up until this point instilled a love that will forever blossom in my heart and in my educational career.
As one can already guess, my current chemistry teacher is an even bigger chemistry lover than my past two teachers (which I also did not think was possible). He eats, breathes and sleeps chemistry (if that’s even possible). One thing most college students encounter is skipping class is way easier than in high school. But this teacher...he makes a person never want to skip class. Not just because the subject matter is important and as his students, we need to know the information for his tests, but we find ourselves wanting to be present in each of his classes because of the smile he has on his face while teaching each subject. The way his face lights up each time he has a chance to tell how he practices chemistry in his personal life. My current teacher is in love with chemistry, there is no doubt about it. I firmly believe that he is showing each of his students why chemistry is so amazing and giving them the same chances to fall in love with the subject much like he has.
I feel like this goes without saying, but an important aspect of these teachers is they are open to helping each of their students. If a student ever had an issue or needed more clarification on the subject matter, each of these teachers would be there with a sharpened pencil ready to instill an understanding that will travel with him or her throughout the remainder of his or her educational career.
My personal experiences with the sciences, most namely chemistry, has thrived with the help of my educators. I would still be a lost puppy in the science world if it weren’t for them. I am forever grateful that each teacher entered my life when they did and instilled the love I will share with others. Thank you to all of the educators in the world that share their hope, imagination and love of their subject with their students. We students will be forever grateful for your guidance.