Essay 1 workshop

Mrs. Elma Burns, My First Grade Teacher

I would like to write about a person in my life who left an ever lasting impression on a young soul. Mrs. Elma Burns is one of the most inspiring women I ever encountered. She was my first grade teacher, and to this day, some 47 years later, I remember the kindness, understanding and patience she showed me.

I have attached two pictures to my essay. The young girl is me in the first grade, six years old, a young impressionable child starting life.  The second picture is from a newspaper article recognizing Mrs. Elma Burns, now age 99, for her years of teaching services in Humboldt County. I recently came across this article in our local paper. I also saw her in our corner grocery store and talked with her; she still remembers me, and we enjoyed reminiscing about past school days. What a wonderful conversation we had. When I look at these two pictures side by side, I remember what it was like to be a little girl sitting in the front row watching Mrs. Burns, living her destiny, teaching with a beautiful smile. These pictures brought back very fond childhood memories.

I was having a difficult time learning to read. My parents were not really involved in my education. Learning was up to me, and if I needed help, I had to find it. My teacher took an interest and helped me overcome this stumbling block. One example is the extra time she spent with me during the week going over our books; in those days it was,” SEE SPOT RUN.”  She would ask me if I would like to stay in from recess for extra help. I loved this because it was just Mrs. Burns and myself spending time together. I remember when it was time for parent-teacher conference; she would tell my parents how proud she was of me and my improvements. She had infinite patience and believed in me. She shaped my destiny, gave me confidence and helped me realize that I could learn if I worked hard, applied myself, and told me I should believe in myself.

She was passionate about her profession as a teacher. She cared about her students. She emphasized behavior more than grades. I truly believe her emphasis on good behavior stuck with me and guided my life. She had no tolerance for anything but kindness from her students, and was very warm and loving.

The article about her in the paper inspired me to write her a thank you note and acknowledge her for the impression she made on my entire life. The impression she made drove home the importance of reading and reading comprehension as a necessity of life; she believed and guided me in the right direction. I want her to know what an inspiration she was to me. I thanked her for her time and energy she put into my education. I told her she is truly a teacher who can change a young person’s life. She was a gift from heaven. When I finalize this essay, I will send her a copy, so she knows, once again, what a difference she made in my life.

I believe I was able to move forward with higher character and self esteem because of this amazing woman. To this day I have never forgotten her and what she did for me. Mrs. Elma Burns will live in my memory and heart forever as one of the most influential and inspiring people to shape my destiny.

My advice to a young student would be, preserve the memories and the people who inspire you, and acknowledge them for the difference they made in your life.