Inspiring Me to be Me by Amelia

Inspiring Me to be Me by Amelia - June 2021 Scholarship Essay

Mrs. Burkhardt is a larger-than-life, overseas, Department of Defense teacher who brings out the best in most of her students through her enthusiasm, direct approach and tenacity. I was lucky enough to be one of her students for 6th grade history in Stuttgart, Germany, and was captivated by her from our first meeting. Mrs. Burkhardt empowered all of us to be better, try harder, and be bolder by leading her classroom with an “all in” approach to learning. Beyond the scope of her required class curriculum, which she did a fantastic job of teaching, she addressed our inner insecurities and encouraged us to overcome the obstacles holding us back from learning and achieving. It seemed her classroom motto was, “Yes, stand high and claim your place in this world. Be brave. Think big and dream bigger.”
For the first time in my life, I felt special in the eyes of a teacher. I had always been a straight A, overachieving student, but flew under the radar because I was simply seen as a good, solid, no-fuss student by most every teacher prior to Mrs. Burkardt. She honestly believed in me as an eleven-year-old person. She respected my views, validated my feelings, congratulated me on my accomplishments, encouraged me to think outside the box, and greeted me with a warm, inviting smile when I walked into her classroom. I looked forward to her class, soaked up all her interesting stories, welcomed her creative vibe, and embraced projects eagerly.

There is this saying, “Those who feel appreciated do more than expected.” Mrs. Burkhardt motivated me, and most of the students throughout our 6th grade days, to be better students through her enthusiasm for life and genuine interest in us. With her affirmation and outward confidence in me, I began to realize my self-worth. I began seeing myself for the person she saw in me. She would outwardly proclaim, “Amelia is one of my best students.” She made it seem like it was an honor to know me, and this was exhilarating. I began loving that girl staring back at me in the mirror, maybe for the first time. I learned more history than I had ever learned with Mrs. Burkhardt, but more importantly, she had a profound impact on the way I view myself, my life, school, accomplishments, and the definition of success. I hope to see her again, in whatever part of the world she is currently teaching, to thank her for inspiring me to be me.