Ever since I was in preschool, I was always very curious; whenever I went to my grandmother�s house, I would always ramble through every nook and cranny. My teachers also noticed my avid curiosity. When I went to preschool, I would sometimes leave my play area to attend a first and second-grade class. My teacher told my mother about this, and about how curious I seemed. Later, however, they suggested that my mother should find another preschool for me to go to, because I was not ready for the classes of older children, but I would still want to attend said classes.
When I was older, my willingness to learn was very visible to all of my teachers, as I was the one who would always participate in class, I would always ask questions, and I would even learn things on my own, and present them to the class, whenever they were needed. There were, unfortunately, students (and sometimes teachers) who did not appreciate my curiosity or willingness to learn. These were the ones that made it so that I, as with other children of that particular age, did not have as great a willingness to learn as I did once.
This occurred especially during high school. When I was in high school, there were only two teachers who really made it so that I wanted to learn: Ms. Sommese and Mrs. Stock. Ms. Sommese was my freshman English teacher, and she was the one who showed me that I actually had a gift. One day, she gave us a writing assignment, and I decided to write a poem. When I wrote it, I thought it was nothing but an assignment. She did not agree, however. She called me in, and asked me when I started writing poetry, and how much had I written. She concluded that I had a gift, and that I should keep writing, and possibly get something published. Even though she left one year later, she is now my mentor, and we meet on a regular basis.
Mrs. Stock was ordinarily a student teacher, but she was a lot more to me. Two years later, she came to teach at my school, Walther Lutheran High School. She also noticed my knack for writing, and encouraged me to continue, but she was also almost like a mother hen, whereas she was concerned if anyone was bothering me, or if I was having any problems with other classes, and so on. Both of these instructors were not only educators, but they were also like third parents, which is what I think all teachers should be. They were never too hard, they were never judgmental, and they both loved their jobs.
If there is anything that people will never forget about me, it is that I am forthright. I think that it is very important that everyone has an opinion, because it shows that they are paying attention. It is equally important for teachers, because it teaches students become critical thinkers, and to think for themselves. Even though a few people never appreciated my opinions, many of them did. Besides, if I cannot speak my mind, I feel dead inside.
Luckily, I was able to find much more freedom when I went to college at Wilbur Wright College North. In college, I was able to wear what I want and say what I want. I was able to express my feelings more when I joined the newspaper. I started by writing news stories and editorials, then I rose up the anchors� ladder, and wrote columns as Editorial Editor.
In conclusion, one of the major influences of my life, either for better or for worse, has been the teachers and professors who provided me with an education. This is why I want to be a social worker; so that I can help young children and needy adults in a positive manner, and to give them hope and show them that they are the ones who have the power to control their own lives. My life has been a bumpy road, but at least it is leading me to where I want to be.
