We all have people in our lives who have impacted us in one way or another. Whether it is a friend, family member, teacher, or mentor I believe that every life is impacted by at least one person. I can think of at least 5 people right off the top of my head that has impacted my life in ways I never thought possible. But, there is one person in particular that left a mark on my life and that is my senior year AP Literature teacher.
I remember walking into her class on the first day pretty freaked out about this AP Literature class. I am not very good at reading comprehension, and I wasn't a very confident writer in high school. I struggled all through high school to write papers and get above a C on them. I loved the idea of writing, I just couldn't nail the skills. Our first essay in this class was assigned around my dad's anniversary. I couldn't focus, and I did not know how I was going to get a coherent essay written around that time. I decided to take all the courage I had and go talk to my teacher about it. I didn't know her, and I was nervous...what if she thought I was crazy? After I told her what I was going through at that time, I felt comforted by her kind words and caring personality.
Although I struggled in this class, it soon became my favorite class. I looked forward to going to Mrs. Sharpe's classroom every day. Being greeted at the door with her warm smile always made my days a little better.
This teacher was so committed to helping me grow as a writer. I would go to her class after school countless times to ask for help with papers. I knew that I could be successful in writing and I am forever appreciative of all the time she invested in helping me grow. I was so ecstatic when I got my first A on an essay in her class. It was a song analysis essay, and I had worked so hard on it. The positive feedback I received on that essay made me realize how much I had grown in this class and as a writer. That was the moment I realized that I had a passion for writing. With her encouragement that day, I knew I would be able to continue growing and following my dreams.
Towards the middle of my senior year, she announced that she would be moving out of the state. Needless to say, I was sad. This teacher had impacted my senior year so much and had helped through way more than just writing papers. It was hard to hear that she had to leave.
She moved, and we were able to keep in touch through social media. Technology makes it so easy to keep in touch with people nowadays. Although she is states away, she still inspires me to grow as a writer, and to grow in my faith. The love she has for God is so easily seen in her actions towards other people.
Just a few days ago I was scrolling through Facebook right before bed, and I stumbled upon a post of hers that said she would be coming to Florida for the weekend. So, of course, the next day I reached out to her because there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to see her. I managed to make it home the weekend she was here and picked her up from the airport. Being able to see her for the first time in a year and a half was amazing. We caught up over lunch, and I was so excited to be able to tell her all about what I was doing in school, and on my blog. She is one of my biggest inspirations to become a teacher, alongside my parents and other mentors. I am so excited to see what the future brings for all of us!