The Fab Four

1021 Words3 Pages

The Fab Four

In high school I had four teachers that were very important to my success.

High school was a good time for me with all my sports, music activities, and Student Council, but it was also very tough. I didn't have many friends. Also, I worried so much about school and "getting the grade", that I often felt very stressed. I also went through a period of a couple years when I was pretty depressed. These four teachers helped me through my difficult times mostly by just being there to listen. I also loved their classes, but I think that more than anything they influenced me because I liked them as people and knew they believed in me. I truly believe that if a student likes a teacher, feels a connection with them, and can develop a relationship, they will be much more interested in the material and will care more and do better.

The first two of these teachers, Mr. Oftedahl and Mr. Vepraskas (Mr. O and Mr. V), were my band and choir directors. What amazing people! I love music and often times use music as a form of escape or healing in the rough times. Mr. O and Mr. V were always there to listen to me and offer what comfort they could. I could talk to them as real people, on an adult level. They didn't treat me as a kid with just kid problems. They were very sincere when talking to me and were also very talented musicians. Even though they were my teachers, I know I can talk to them and that they are more than my teachers - they are my friends. Their friendship and open door was what I needed most at that time in my life.

The other two high school teachers who were influential were helpful in the same ways as Mr. O and Mr. V, always willing to listen, but they were more. Because of these two teachers, I not only knew that I wanted to teach, but they helped me realize what I wanted to teach.

Señorita Brown was my Spanish teacher my freshman and sophomore years. I fell in love with Spanish when I started taking it in 7th grade with the dream of someday traveling to Spain. Señorita Brown helped me to realize that not only did I love Spanish, but that I was gifted in the language and could help others.

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