A true inspiration by Melanie

A true inspiration by Melanie - March 2013 Scholarship Essay

The most influential teacher I have had is my AP Chemistry and Biotechnology teacher from high school. I went to Spanish River Community High School in Boca Raton and my teacher's name was Mr.Dybas. I can honestly say that he is the only teacher I had throughout my four years in high school that was actually there to help the students improve, learn as much as possible, and be prepared to face college and life. Mr. Dybas inspired me because of the fact that he was not doing his job for financial reasons, he was there because it was his true passion. He used to work as a pharmacist and used to make a lot of money;however, he left that job and decided to be a high school teacber because he realized that is what he wanted to do. Just the fact that he was willing to walk away from a comfortable life style to follow his dream, to me is inspiring. As a result, Mr. Dybas taught me to always follow my dreams and to not let money be what defines what career I choose. Mr. Dybas was the one behind the Biotechnology Academy at Spanish River that gave me the valuable knowledge I need to succeed in any science course in college. Because Mr. Dybas took that extra step to provide students with the best education possible, I was able to get a research opportunity in a lab at the University of Central Florida as a freshman. Furthermore, Mr. Dybas was truly the best chemistry teacher I have ever heard of. He prepared me for the AP exam better than anyone ever could. One of the hardest AP exams to pass nationwide is chemistry; however, because of Mr.Dybas's amazing teaching methods and passion for teaching, I passed my exam with a 4. He made chemistry fun and interesting. It was admirable how determined he was to better himself so that he could teach students the best he could. He would always try to find different ways to explain certain topics or different ways to teach certain material to make it easier for students to remember. One of the things I remember most about his class is when he told us that he does not care about how we do in the class or how we do on the AP exam, but what he cares about is how prepared we are for college once we leave his class. Mr. Dybas made science fun for me again. As a result, I am now pursuing a B.S in Biomedical Sciences. Furthermore, Mr. Dybas was especially influential for me because his family was the one that gave me the idea to be in the career that I now am passionate about one day having, pediatrics. It also inspired me how he is such a devoted father and husband. In conclusion, Mr. Dybas is the best teacher I have ever had and I think it is safe to say that he is the best teacher I will ever have.