The Best Teacher I Never Had by Carson

The Best Teacher I Never Had by Carson - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

As I begin writing my essay on the topic “Discuss a teacher or mentor who has had a significant impact on your educational journey” my mind is instantly flooded with possible names. However, one name stands out more than the rest, and that would be Mrs Guynn. Mrs. Guynn is a special teacher that I, unfortunately, never had as an actual scheduled teacher. She was the type of teacher that taught me many things that I still carry today. She taught me empathy, compassion and overall kindness. Mrs. Guynn took in the entire soccer team under her wing, as if she was our big group mother. No matter what we needed, on a daily basis, she handled it. If you couldn't find a ride to practice or to a game, there was no need to worry because Mrs Guynn was there. If you couldn't afford to eat before or after a game, there was no need to worry because Mrs Guynn was already paying for you. She was always a text away, ready to help with any possible dilemma you may have.

In addition to serving the role as “Team Mom,” Mrs. Guynn was there for us on so many other levels. When lost with no idea where to go or what decision to make, Mrs. Guynn was an outstretched hand in a crowded room. As I write this essay, I’m sure you are wondering how this truly affected my educational journey, because that was the essay topic prompt. I will share with you that it was her constant grade checks and reminders of the importance of school. Mrs. Guynn would call you into her classroom, during her planning period, to discuss your current grades and with that motherly love and prowess, also came the guilt when you disappoint a parental figure, if a grade wasn’t up to par. Every step of the way, there she was making sure I was prepared for my classes and was meeting my potential. Mrs. Guynn was a teacher and mentor and although I wasn’t her official student, she served both of those roles for me.

As a current senior, it has been two years since Mrs. Guynn worked at my school. She transferred to another local school and it has been difficult not seeing her on a regular basis, yet her lasting impact continues to loom over me. A reason I keep pushing myself and trying to reach my potential is embedded in that motherly love she instilled in me during my freshman and sophomore years. Even though the reunions are not many in number they are always filled with love and excitement. I know there are many students that feel this way about Mrs. Guynn but that is the special thing about her impact on me…she made me feel like I was the only one she was worried about. I am incredibly thankful that I have someone like Mrs. Guynn in my corner. Mrs. Guynn has had a significant impact on my life and I am thankful I have someone like her to make proud. She has pushed me to want to prove to myself that I can be something special someday. Mrs. Guynn has impacted many students over the years and it's not hard to understand why. Her impact on my life will stay with me forever and that is the reason I chose to write about Mrs. Guynn, a teacher who has had a significant impact on my educational journey. She is the best teacher I never had.