2022 Scott Wright Student Essay Contest Winner Colleen McKay

Teachers Are Heroes in Disguise

A teacher who inspires me and impacts my life greatly is Professor Tuan. I admire his drive and ambition. He’s one of the hardest working and smartest people I know. He didn’t have it easy growing up, but that didn’t stop him from persevering and surmounting drawbacks. He endeavored and exerted himself at maximum levels to achieve his goals. Growing up, he didn’t have a lot to fall back on. He depended on himself to work hard and earn. He tailored his own destiny and achieved everything through hard work and self-discipline, completing his field of education with three master’s degrees and one doctoral degree.

Math was my least favorite subject, and having a learning disability in math didn’t help either. However, Professor Tuan has made math class enjoyable and I’m now eager to learn it. He’s patient and understands who he’s working with. He does his best to accommodate his students’ needs. He finds different ways to approach explaining a problem if I’m not understanding one way he’s teaching it. He goes out of his way to support us. Unlike some, Professor Tuan is a teacher who genuinely cares for his students. He goes above and beyond doing his job and does more than what he’s told to do.

He gave me real-life math situation problems so I can be more independent and learn how to use my math skills in the real world. He is always thoughtful to not put the spotlight on me in class but will do it when necessary for my own personal growth. He is very attentive and is always there to help, listen, and give me advice, but most of all to teach and prepare me for a successful future. Whenever I get stressed, he finds ways to encourage me. I have improved a lot in math and in other aspects of my life because of him, and he has helped me realize that opportunities won’t always wait for me, and if I want something to happen I need to get up and make it happen.

I can’t give up if there’s a drawback. I must find a way to make it work, achieve my goals, and make my dreams a reality like he did. Professor Tuan gave me a better mindset. No matter how hard life gets, I can’t lose hope or let it knock me down. There are people who were dealt worse in life who are achieving more than people who were handed everything to them. Professor Tuan is one of those examples. He has given me the motivation to stop procrastinating, get out of my comfort zone, and keep trying (not only with math but in life in general.) I’m so grateful for all that he has done for me and I wouldn’t have had the drive to keep going and pursuing my dreams if it weren’t for his constant support and guidance. Professor Tuan is a phenomenal teacher, role model, and mentor, and I owe a lot to him.