Thank You Teachers by Isabella

Thank You Teachers by Isabella - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

As a child I wasn’t sociable. I would often wait for people to come to me rather than seek out help. I would wait for other kids to notice I sat by them on the carpet because that's how I thought friends worked. I would wait for the world to come to me, and if it didn’t I would go to the world. This behavior was excused by all adults in my life, other than Mr. Damico.
Mr. Damico was my kindergarten teacher, I still remember him 12 years later. He didn’t let me live as a shy kid unlike all other adults I had met. He wanted me to make friends and ask questions. He made me realize sitting in class wasn’t enough, I had to participate and communicate with my peers. I had to make friends and enjoy school.
It seems silly looking back on it. My kindergarten teacher was my most impactful. But through my educational journey, I’ve learned that what happens in childhood directs the whole rest of your life. If Mr. Domico hadn't pushed me, I know my social skills would have been very low. I would have lived a much more isolated life. I’m very grateful for teachers like Mr. Domico who realize school isn’t just about academics. They realize it builds social skills and helps students grow emotionally.
Having those fundamental values early on helped me advance later. I set out on a confident foot for the rest of my academic journey. I advocated for myself and I wasn’t scared to do what was right. I asked questions and learned to enjoy school for learning and friends. I advanced and explored what my purpose is. I wasn’t scared to figure out who I was.