A Teacher Every Student Wishes They Had

Commendation Essay

Your warm smile welcomed me into kindergarten, and all my worries faded away. “Her name is Mrs. Smith,” my parents explained to me. Having not gone to preschool, this was my first experience being away from home. I was nervous, but determined to make my parents proud. Once I walked into the classroom, I looked around to take my surroundings in. I felt overwhelmed. There were colorful signs all over the wall, the jumble of letters I didn’t quite understand yet. I didn’t know how to read, but somehow you knew I was eager to learn. Maybe it was my wonder-like expression. Throughout the year, I started to feel more and more comfortable in the classes. You put me right in front of you on the reading rug, and I would listen as intently as I could. Looking back, I was a bit of a teacher’s pet, but I didn’t really care. We had great conversations, or, at least, as much of a conversation a five year-old could have. It was incredible that I formed a connection with anyone other than my parents. I was quiet and shy, not usually making friends my own age. Eventually I transitioned from trying to make my parents proud, to making you proud. Your smile lit up my day. All of my work was met with praise, and my mistakes were met with understanding. The advice you gave me to help me get through kindergarten I will always carry with me throughout my whole life. You didn’t just teach me how to tie my shoe or recite the alphabet. You taught me the importance of being kind to others, but more importantly being kind to myself. I was always harsh on myself, even with little things. Coloring outside the lines, losing a game of checkers, forgetting how to write certain letters. I learned that it was okay to make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. I’m still trying to learn how to be kind to myself, but that journey started with you. You taught me that I was special, but also that other people were worth getting to know as well. Through your introduction, I met my best friend that I kept throughout elementary school. I’m certain that without your guidance, I would have turned out a different person that I am today. So, in conclusion, thank you Mrs. Smith. You were the best teacher I’ve never had.