You never know what the future holds by Matthew

You never know what the future holds by Matthew - July 2014 Scholarship Essay

Apathy. Apathy is the name of the game in the small town where I grew up and went to high school. At times it feels like it permeates the very foundation of the town. Maybe it's because appearing not to care seems cool. Maybe it was because there truly wasn't much hope of ever being successful enough to leave. Maybe it’s that in being from a town of only 2000 people, the world just seems too big. Regardless of the why this indifference was so prevalent, it takes superhuman feats to overcome such a perception – such an idea.

The balance in personality that is necessary to motivate, not just one individual, but also an entire class, and even an entire high school, is rare and remarkable. It takes a true and deep level of empathy to meet the students on their level. And how diverse this empathy must be! From helping guide teenagers though the social gauntlet that is high school, to helping troubleshoot how to put dinner on the table in a troubled home, Mr. H gave me a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways that an educator might playa part in the life of a young student. Taking a teaching job in a run-down town and turning it into a career as he moved up to take on the role of principal, this gentleman had a will of steel and a heart of gold.

Contrary to popular belief, hardship and struggle are not horrible things to avoid at all cost. In contrast, it may more appropriate to see them as tools. These tools help to build confidence and resourcefulness. However, these may only be found when perseverance is part of the equation. There seems to be a balance to struggle and success that allows for interest to blossom, growing into a passion driving an individual to succeed. Mr. H knew when to push, when to push harder, and when some success and reprieve were needed.

For the longest time I found the work and effort necessary in the world of education, and in educating myself, to be overly uncomfortable. I wasn’t willing to face hardship and struggle, and therefore only rarely experienced perseverance. Mr. H was instrumental, with his ability to provide individualized challenge and give the support needed, in helping me to see that the struggle along with learning is, very much, worth the squeeze. This lesson made such an impact that today I see a career in medicine, and education, in my future.