Mrs. Casey by Reagan

Mrs. Casey by Reagan - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Out of all my teachers, the most influential teacher I have had was named Mrs. Casey. I first had her in my eighth-grade year. She came in as a specialist for me and other students with IEPs. I had an old math teacher who was about to retire and was ready to get out and enjoy life on a beach. So he would lecture for twenty minutes and then read some Chinese book about a samurai. I would ask questions but sometimes it takes me longer than others to figure things out. He would get frustrated and refuse to help me.
Thankfully, Mrs. Casey was there and helped me through the math problems. She taught me how to do my homework rather than sending me away more confused than before. That year, I was also having a rough time with my parents' divorce, and she was a leading factor in my healing. She would sit and talk to me and help me work out my problems. There was one time when things got so bad that I came to school crying. She held me and helped me calm down.
In my freshman year, I had her again but this time as my English teacher. She helped me find my love for reading and pushed me to read different genres. We would chat about books we were reading and give reviews. For Christmas, we had a white elephant for books that we exchanged with other students and teachers. The amount of books and literature I have come across because of her is insane. I don’t know what kind of person I would be if she hadn’t come into my life. Mrs. Casey was the realest teacher I have ever had and didn’t put up with anyone's shenanigans. I knew she was always someone I could turn to and someone that stood in my corner. She understood what family problems I was going through and listened to each of my vents. Mrs. Casey always told the truth even if I didn’t like the answer. She treated me like an adult when everyone around me acted as if I were a toddler acting out. She truly has been one of the best teachers I have ever had and I hope to stay in contact with her even after I graduate.