Carved In My Heart by Jazmin

Carved In My Heart by Jazmin - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Teachers are supposed to be teachers, not the ones to make you cry. I have had Mr. Persyn as my Algebra II teacher. Every day, Mr. Persyn would stand outside his classroom, and with his hands in the air, he gave high-fives to the students in the hallways. Whether they responded or not, my teacher never failed to smile all day and be the sunshine in the school. In class, he showed the same enthusiasm while teaching. During lessons, when I was stuck on a problem, he made sure to help. When I didn't understand the instructions, he re-explained. When I failed myself, he was there.
Since elementary school, I've dedicated my time and effort towards my education. My parents, especially my father, showed me the struggle he faced every day of being an immigrant to show me the importance of receiving an education. At just nine years old, my father lost his mother, and his father became absent in his life, forcing my dad to withdraw from middle school to provide for his siblings and him. Knowing there could be better opportunities for his children, my parents moved from their small hometowns in Mexico to the United States, but my father only faced challenges. When my dad moved, he started working for a construction company where he would earn minimum wage and work long hours, leaving him with calluses. There were times where he didn’t even get paid. It was always "I'll pay you later" in which later never came or sometimes not even a text back. Seeing him struggle motivated me to prioritize school and to live the life he has worked hard for me.
So, I always completed every class and grade perfectly to one day achieve the life my parents have worked for me until the last semester of junior year. The final for a dual credit math course placed me at risk of not having automatic college admission. I failed myself. As I walked by Mr. Persyn crying, he stopped me. He saw how the tears rolled down my face, and when he did, he walked around the school with me to let my tears diminish before going to my next class. As we walked, he made sure to understand my situation. Along with other advice, he told me, "Your grades don't define you." Hearing his words to comfort me only made me cry more. I realized what he had meant. Just because I didn't earn a good grade didn't mean I didn't work hard for it. My work ethic and dedication are what define me. Mr. Persyn made me realize that sometimes something won't go my way, which is fine, but only I can control how I respond to it.
That same year, my peers selected me as a Family Leader, which consisted of teaching a group of students the school's virtues through presentations and leading them during school spirit activities. At first, all of my peers participated in the presentations and listened, but after some time, I could see how their attention shifted toward their personal devices. I was ignored and felt like I had failed myself and everyone around me for not being a better leader, so I went to my teacher for help. Mr. Persyn assured me that it was normal for this occurrence to happen. My teacher told me to make some changes and never stop trying, not for those who don't pay attention, but for those who do. Mr. Persyn said to me that even though numerous students may not be engaged, there will always be at least one person who is paying attention.
For the rest of the school year, Mr. Persyn stayed by my side, mentoring me to become a more effective leader. From this experience, I learned that failures are only opportunities for growth and improvement. I thought I would never recover from this experience, but I further learned that my attitude towards an obstacle is everything.
Whether it was during Algebra or outside of class, my teacher was there for me. I had always tried to show perfection, but he changed how I viewed things. His positivity and the way he was always supportive towards me throughout the school years showed me that I can't let the negative things that happen in my life get to me. I always need to work hard, but when something doesn't go my way, I need to have a growth mindset and not think of it as something that will bring me down. Instead of staying down, I must work harder and look at the positive. I never thought a teacher would have such a significant impact on me, but Mr. Persyn did. His support and meaningful words are carved in my heart. Because of him, I know that throughout my life, I will fail, but only I can control how I respond to it.
To him, I might be a great student, but to me, he is the teacher who changed my life and educational journey for the better. I know that when I start college, and in the future, there will be obstacles I have never seen, but because of Mr. Persyn, I know how to face them.