The Potential In All Of Us
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Potential In All Of Us

We've all had that life-changing educator.

44
The Potential In All Of Us
a2ua

Throughout my education, I have encountered countless great teachers in various subjects. In one form or another, my teachers have shown me the potential I have, even when I didn’t see it. In elementary school, a teacher attempted to teach me Greek. I was a ten-year-old carrying around a Greek dictionary memorizing the alphabet. I didn’t get far with that but it was my first experience where a teacher thought I had the potential to learn a third language.

In high school, I loved to dedicate myself to art. In the beginning, I was taught the technical part of it and I gradually found my own style– a mix of shaded realism with pops of color. Every year I was pushed by my art teachers whether I was drawing, painting or experimenting with clay in ceramics. With their help, advice and encouragement I learned to love the process of creating– staying up late into the night listening to music and getting lost in my art.

I was also pushed by English teachers even though I wasn’t initially interested. But little by little each teacher showed me that if I worked hard enough, I could unlock my writing and analytical skills. It’s thanks to all of my inspiring English teachers that I have become the writer that I am today. They had different teaching styles and personalities, but each one is memorable and their lessons stuck with me.

It hasn’t been only teachers who have done this for me. Running is one of my passions. I have been trained by amazing people who are just as passionate about the sport. There was a particular coach who I met at a day running camp that changed my perspective. Throughout the course of a summer, he taught me what it really meant to be a runner. As we ran through Central Park’s dirt trails in the summer heat and the occasional thunderstorm, I increased my mileage, became faster and my love for running was at its peak.

At the end of the program, he told me I had the potential to run competitively in college. He was the first to say that to me and it left me breathless. I hadn’t imagined myself continuing my running career after high school and even though I chose not to, his encouragement was enough for me.

There is potential in all of us and although we may not realize this on our own, it does exist. Sometimes it takes a certain person like a teacher or coach to show us what we are capable of achieving. I can proudly say important life choices are attributed to the positive influences of teachers. It’s important to take advantage of their knowledge, especially in college. Professors are there to teach us about subjects and life, while also continuously, encouraging us to reach our potential.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39373
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23908
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950025
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

128626
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments