Mrs. Willrich: The Teacher Who Impacted Me the Most by Bricen

Mrs. Willrich: The Teacher Who Impacted Me the Most by Bricen - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Mrs. Willrich has been one of the most influential figures in my educational journey, though I’ll admit, the beginning of our relationship was far from smooth. As a high school senior with strong opinions and a tendency to question everything, I clashed with her almost immediately. She was my English teacher, a role she clearly took seriously, and I was a student who thought I already knew how to navigate the classroom. The combination led to more than a few tense moments, but what began as conflict slowly evolved into a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding—one that has had a lasting impact on how I see myself and my future.

At the start of the year, Mrs. Willrich struck me as rigid. Her rules were strict, her standards were high, and she seemed resistant to differing viewpoints. To me, it felt like she was singling me out, calling on me to explain points under the assumption I wasn’t fully prepared or pushing back when I tried to coast through an assignment. I took her insistence on precision and thoughtfulness as a personal challenge, and I pushed back in my own way—through subtle comments and a stubborn refusal to change my approach.

It wasn’t long before I was called out for what she referred to as “borderline disrespect.” I remember sitting in her classroom after school, staring at the poster on the wall that said, “Words matter.” She asked me directly why I seemed so intent on challenging her. Her tone wasn’t harsh, but calm and curious. I hesitated, then told her the truth: I wasn’t trying to disrespect her, I just wanted to understand things that didn’t make sense to me. To my surprise, she nodded and said, “Fair enough.”

That conversation was a turning point. Instead of dismissing me as a difficult student, Mrs. Willrich made an effort to understand me. She realized that what she’d interpreted as defiance was really passion—a need to question, to debate, and to feel connected to what I was learning. She didn’t try to change who I was; instead, she started giving me opportunities to channel that passion in productive ways. In class discussions, she encouraged me to share my perspective. In essays, she pushed me to back up my arguments with evidence. She showed me that my voice had value, but only when it was used thoughtfully and with purpose.

Over time, I came to see her critiques not as personal attacks, but as proof that she believed I could do better. She didn’t allow me to settle for mediocrity. That realization changed the way I approached not only her class but school in general. I started taking more pride in my writing, paying closer attention to details, and taking her feedback seriously.

By the middle of the year, our dynamic had completely shifted. I began to respect her high expectations and even appreciate her directness. She, in turn, began to trust me with more responsibility, like leading group discussions. What had once been a source of tension between us—my need to question everything and her insistence on structure—became the foundation of a stronger connection.

Looking back, I realize how much Mrs. Willrich taught me beyond the syllabus. She showed me the importance of discipline, the value of constructive criticism, and the power of mutual respect. More than that, she helped me understand myself better. She saw potential in me even when I couldn’t see it, and she had the patience to guide me without trying to change who I am.

As I prepare to graduate, I know I’ll carry the lessons I learned from Mrs. Willrich with me, both in and out of the classroom. She didn’t just teach me how to analyze literature or write a compelling essay; she taught me how to think critically, how to communicate more effectively, and how to turn passion into progress. For that, I will always be grateful.