The Impact of a Teacher by Morgan

The Impact of a Teacher by Morgan - June 2019 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my career as a student I have had many teachers come and go. Some are exceptional, always going the extra mile for their students. Others are simply there to fill a chair. Regardless of their pedagogical prowess, every teacher has an impact on their students. One teacher who had a profound impact on me was my high school physics teacher, Mrs. Stephens. Mrs. Stephens taught me to always push myself, and that has stuck with me ever since I’ve graduated.
I took Mrs. Stephens’ physics class in both my junior and senior year of high school. In my senior year I took AP Physics 2, one of the most difficult science courses offered at my high school. Going into the class was daunting; AP Physics 1 was already challenging enough and here I was, about to dive even deeper into a tough subject. My premonitions about the course were right - it was extremely difficult. However, Mrs. Stephens never gave up on me. I showed up every day for extra help and she would patiently clarify any material that I didn’t understand.
Mrs. Stephens wasn’t just a good teacher, though. She was also a great mentor. During my senior year of high school I lost my grandfather, and with him went my drive to succeed. My grades started to drop. Mrs. Stephens was the only teacher who cared. She pushed me to continue with my college applications, and to persist in my efforts to finish out my last year of high school strong. My teacher’s advice and solace helped me realize that even when it feels as though all the odds are stacked against me I should never give up. Through her class I realized that I am smarter than I give myself credit for. Finally, through her sympathy I learned how loved I was. Mrs. Stephens’ level of care for me still drives me to strive for bigger and better goals. It is through her efforts that I am the student I am today