The Importance of a Good Teacher by Ta'Niyah

The Importance of a Good Teacher by Ta'Niyah - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

My decision to become a teacher stems from the love that I have for learning and two special teachers who continue to have a role in my life. I want to have the same great impact they had on my life on other students. I believe that teachers can change lives, and I want to be a part of that change. Being a teacher means I get to teach an array of various subjects which means I can gain knowledge while imparting it to listening ears. I can learn new things along with my students. I enjoy how no two days are the same, and there is always something new. It is much easier to express creativity in a teaching position than in some others, and I have always been a fan of the arts. I would bring so much to the education system from diversity as an African-American to a patient and hardworking individual with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

My math teacher, Ms. McKenzie, was a kind woman with a great love for her students. I should preface this by saying I have never been very good at math. I had never had any teacher willing to have enough patience with me to combat this until Ms. McKenzie. She cared whether her students succeeded in not just her class but in life. She feels more like a friend than a teacher. Her approach to teaching is the reason I was able to pass. The second teacher I would like to talk about is my English teacher, Mrs. Spradley. I was once going through hardships at home and attempted to take my life. My teachers were notified, and she was one of the few that talked to me about why the event transpired. She listened to my troubles and wrote me a letter reassuring me that I was not alone.

I have faced obstacles in my life such as struggling in math courses and having severe thoughts of depression. My depressive thoughts have affected my daily life, but they have also taught me that my life does truly matter much more than I previously thought. The opposite of despondency is hope. My depression has made me develop a sense of humor to combat negative thoughts. Humor enables me to view these thoughts at a different angle and combat the despair’s grasp. It allows me to look at things more lightly and a smile or laughter can offer an escape. Humor is the product of having hope. I have also developed a better sense of empathy because of it. Depression can often feel inescapable and confining. This gives me the ability to understand other people’s feelings at a deeper level and, in a way, it has made me much more compassionate.

Although the math issue may seem trivial compared to the other, it has taught me to have patience, to persevere despite others' thoughts, and that there will always be one person willing to help you. Although no one wants to experience struggles or adversities, they build resilience, and you value your hard work and dedication much more.