My Greatest Teacher
I’ve received my first education from my parents, who taught me language and expression long before I entered a classroom. My first word as a toddler, “Mama”, was the result of their patient guidance. They held me when I took my first steps, celebrated every achievement, and filled out home with love and hard work. Yet, they each taught me in different ways. My mother has taught me beauty and strength. She’s a woman of class, kindness, intelligence, and in my eyes, she’s the epitome of motherhood. It is her resilience and determination that has guided our family. Even as she battles severe arthritis and countless responsibilities, she remains an amazing mother. She has loved endlessly. Her wisdom, kindness, and sense of responsibility are qualities I strive to mirror every day.
My father, on the other hand, has taught me through his mistakes. He’s a smart man who has pursued many jobs and hobbies, succeeding in each one. He’s capable of good, having the spirit and the strength. Unfortunately, my father’s alcoholism has hindered his prosperity. Watching how his choices affected our family encouraged me to become deeply aware of my own decisions. His life has served as a lesson and as a reminder of perseverance. Despite his flaws, he continues to try, and I continue to support him as his daughter. From him I learned to do better and to break the cycles rather than repeat them.
My second education came from school. I grew up being taught in Spanish, surrounded by Hispanic teachers and classmates. I felt deeply connected to my culture and thrived in a familiar environment. The connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned from my early years of school education molded my identity going into a new environment. My preparatory school, larger and English-speaking, was a different world. As I attempted to immerse myself in a new language, I faced a student body that would make me question my identity. My physical and
emotional state drastically transformed as I became a “people pleaser.” I remained a smart, caring girl that loved her family, but was constantly pushed around by a changing social environment.
From school, I learned the importance of confidence and authenticity. As much as I tried to change in order to fit in and make friends, it did not assure genuine relationships. I formed an internal dissatisfaction with myself, highly impacting my attitude. But the older I grew, the more I realized the right connections would naturally come, I just have to be ready to embrace them. I’ve learned to be secure with myself and my future by focusing on my well being in and out of school. I’ve learned to prioritize, to reflect, and to overcome.
Above all, the greatest education I’ve received is the one I gave myself. Despite the many boundaries set up by outer pressure, I’ve taught myself to remain true and passionate. Through my many interests like reading, writing, photography, and music, I’ve gained immense knowledge that leads into my future aspirations. My curiosity and ambition push me to improve each day. I choose to learn, not regret or resent, but to absorb every experience and its effect. I’ve become an open-minded person who continues to grow and does so with virtue. I am, ultimately, my greatest teacher– guided by my parents, shaped by school, but defined by the lessons I chose to learn for myself.
