A Chemical Equation for Success by Jade

A Chemical Equation for Success by Jade - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

In August of 2021, I entered my current Science & Technology magnet high school as a freshman. A required class for freshman year was chemistry. I’d heard mixed opinions on the subject. I was nervous to study chemistry, especially because I didn't know much about it. My chemistry teacher was very welcoming to the whole class. I remember thinking the room looked welcoming and warm. Although I was very nervous, I was eager to learn. Mrs. Sato always began with a warm up and sharing. After sharing, we would get into the lesson. Starting with an explanation, examples and a practice. Next we’d do our worksheet and end with an exit ticket. At first, things got quite repetitive. I didn’t understand why the class structure remained the same, regardless of the lesson. I began to notice a lack of structure in my other classes compared to Chemistry. I realized why Mrs. Sato set our class up the way she did. Our learning was prioritized, and we had the opportunity to ask questions.
I thought chemistry would be hard to understand especially with a lack of prior knowledge. Mrs. Sato proved Chemistry to be understandable, easy even. We worked through examples as a class and watched videos to understand the topics better. Mrs. Sato never gave us homework, because when she was in school she had too much homework. I would talk with my classmates who had a different chemistry teacher, and they were always stressed about homework and their lessons. Our class was at ease! I was very grateful for our class structure and my teacher. She taught us so well that I can educate others in chemistry! Something I never thought I’d be able to do.
At the end of junior year, I had to write Mrs. Sato a letter to share my appreciation for being a wonderful teacher. When senior year came around, she wrote me a beautiful letter of recommendation for college, and wished me success. I still cannot believe it’s been almost four years since I sat in her chemistry class fourth period as a freshman. I am deeply grateful for my teacher, not only for the way she shaped my education but the ways she shaped me as a persona.
I truly believe Mrs. Sato fulfilled her mission of being the teacher she wished she had.