A Mentor Who has Impacted me Greatly by Tanner

A Mentor Who has Impacted me Greatly by Tanner - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

The teacher/mentor who has had a significant impact on not only my educational journey but my life in general, was my 8th-grade science teacher, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was always just the fun teacher who didn’t care but as I continued to talk to him over the years I realized that he was more than that and he was my friend. I was in his first group of seniors (freshman-senior year) in cross country, and I got to know him and talked to him a lot. I was also the only boy my second year so I was his favorite for the rest of my cross-country career. He would always cheer me on and try to make sure I did my best. Even though my dad never showed up to anything I was ok because I had Mr. Johnson there for me.
I would talk to him about anything and after my brother died I just wanted to give up on my education and be a mail carrier like he was and my mom is, but Johnson convinced me to go further. He told me some options he thought I would be good at and now I am pursuing a Biology- Life Science Licensure so I can teach. He also wants me to come out and help him coach if I’m not too busy with college or after I finish. Without my coach/8th grade science teacher I don’t think I would have done near the things I have accomplished. Between the fun we had in his class to the talks we had about my future plans, he is an amazing person and is the definition of a great mentor.