Growing up, I always loved going to school. I loved learning new things, seeing my friends everyday, and most importantly, I loved my teachers. As I got older and the AP classes came along, coming to school wasn't as fun as it used to be, but I still did have a love and appreciation for my teachers. Some of the teachers I had throughout my K-12 days shaped me into the person I am today. Teachers are there to educate you and help you learn new things, but they do much more than that. My fourth-grade teacher was the first one that really did more than just teach.
In 4th grade, I was very shy. I didn't speak up much during class nor did I have confidence in myself. My teacher saw this, but he also saw potential in me and wanted to help me grow. He gave me a few lines to say at our fourth-grade graduation. To most people, this would be exciting and fun, but to me, it was terrifying. I was especially scared because I had to be super enthusiastic and loud while reading these lines, and that was something that was way out of my comfort zone. Every single graduation rehearsal was the same deal, I would quietly read the lines, and repeatedly get told to be louder and more upbeat. My teacher pushed me harder and harder each time until I was finally able to enthusiastically say my lines at graduation. After that, I felt as if I had overcome a big hurdle, and I was more confident than I was before.
In 6th grade, I had a teacher who gave me recognition for something other than academic achievement. He gave me an “award” that was given to the student who exemplified kindness towards others. This motivated me to keep being kind to my peers. It was the first, and one of the only, awards I’ve ever won, and I still remember it. I remember how excited I was when I got it, and since then, I’ve always tried to be nice and helpful to those around me.
The final teacher who made a substantial impact on my life was my eighth-grade science teacher. She was there for me in every sense of the way. Whether it be extra help on an assignment, or just someone to talk to, I knew I could always count on her. I told her about things that were going on in my life, and she gave me advice that always really helped me. Even throughout my high school years, I would go back to her classroom every now and again and give her updates on my life, and she always cared to listen.
Although I am not currently looking to pursue a career in teaching, the wonderful teachers that I had always made teaching something I was interested in. They helped me grow as a person and were there for me when I failed. They never judged me for getting poor grades, or having a rough day. They are the epitome of what all teachers should be like. I’m thankful that I was able to go through school with such amazing teachers that motivated and inspired me to be a more thoughtful learner, a better person, and a helping hand to others as they were to me.
