My High School Tutor Got Me To College When I Had Cancer
Start writing a post
Sports

My High School Tutor Got Me To College When I Had Cancer

There were days when we worked for four or five hours.

331
My High School Tutor Got Me To College When I Had Cancer
Kayla Brown

Four years ago, tenth grade was a hell filled with doctor appointments, chemotherapy and school (when I wasn't puking my guts up or sleeping for hours.)

Originally, you became my tutor because I couldn't stand school with my concussion, one of the worst to date. By January, my headaches became the least of my worries when I was diagnosed with cancer.

My parents, my doctors and I decided that I should continue being homebound tutored for the rest of the year. Often times when kids go through cancer treatment, their schooling is put on hold or lessened temporarily.

But I decided I'd at least try and you were along for the ride.

I did what I could when I could, whether it be taking a test in the dining room with your assistance or pouring over math with a chemo drip in my port.

Neither of us completely understood the stuff so we were learning as we went, which is harder than you think when it comes to tenth-grade work.

There were days when we worked for four or five hours because I was feeling okay. We worked through dinner and my siblings' games.

Almost every day that you came I completed some sort of work that was to be turned in as soon as possible. However, as the school year went on and I began getting more side effects, my work slowed down a little.

Not significantly, just a little. But it was enough for me to fall behind.

The work I received from my teachers slowed down to a trickle until almost nothing came through. I didn't know why because we were still doing our part.

Shortly after, I found out that my teachers had given up on me, assuming I'd just repeat the tenth grade. They clearly didn't know me.

After we had a long talk with the counselor, I was given until August to finish my school work or I'd have to repeat the grade. You showed up at my house almost every day over the summer, even though you could've been doing so many other things and we finished tenth grade.

By the end of the school year, you felt like part of the family. My family and I can't thank you enough for everything you did.

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be in my sophomore year of college pursuing a career in journalism.

If it wasn't for you, I'd have repeated tenth grade.

If it wasn't for you, the teachers would've been right in giving up on me.

If it wasn't for you, I don't know where I'd be.

Thank you so much.



media.giphy.com


Love,

A Sophomore In College Who Wouldn't Be Here Without You

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71361
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133449
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments