Simple, Me

Simple, Me.

Pedonie Stanley

ELED 1010 T-TH 7:15 – 9:45

Simple, me.

As I look back on my education from kindergarten to now, I can say that school was and still is a mystery. Every year I learned different objectives and to this day I’m most definite that I don’t know how to solve equations or story problems. The point is, I learned how to take things step by step in order to achieve what you want. I’d like to share my experiences with the wonderful teachers I have had in the past who showed me what it’s like to enjoy the little things and give a little explanation on what life is really about.

If I can recall my first day in first grade, my teacher Mrs. Acton was the sweetest human being that landed on planet earth, literally. Every morning she greeted her students with a good morning and a small lollipop, jelly beans, or gummy bears. Every morning I would make sure to tell my mom to get me to school on time just so I could get to that morning snack. Back then I always wondered if the other teachers at BES gave treats out until I noticed that she was the only one in first grade who did so it made me feel fortunate and special to be able to have her for the year. In the mornings we had little story problems and if we got 100 percent we would get a gold sticker. Every day there would be three gold stars handed out and if you got all three by the end of the day, we got a chance to have our name in a “Wonderful Student” jar. Every two weeks on Fridays the jar would be filled. Mrs. Acton would pull out 5 names from the jar and who’s ever name was picked would get a candy bar.

I remember the first time that my name has been pulled out the jar. It made me feel like school isn’t all that bad unless you do the work and turn the assignments in on time then you are more likely to see good results. To this day, I still am eager to be excited for school. Mrs. Acton has always amazed me and I am so thankful for her being able to show me that school is a wonderful place to be and experience.

When I was entering high school as a freshman at San Juan High School. I remember feeling like I was out of place, just because it was a new year with a whole new environment but being able to see my friends daily was a bonus. That same year I got to meet a teacher who I am glad to call one of the few people I will look up to in a long time, her name is Cassie Moon. Cassie taught Language Arts and Journalism so she knew a lot about typing essays and America’s history. I already knew her before I came in high school. She used to babysit me when I was a tiny tot along with the rest of my brothers and sisters. Instantly, I thought to myself that Language Arts wouldn’t be so bad because I knew she’d push me to earn the grade that I’d need in able to be an honors student.

Whenever I felt like I wanted to procrastinate or felt drained from assignments, she would be the first person I felt comfortable to going to. I once had a group assignment and we had man pages to cover and research and she assured me that she has high expectations for me as a student and a close friend. When she conducts herself while putting lessons and projects together it always amazed me how much time and effort she put in for everyone. Not just for my class but for the other 6 classes she had after us.

I know there are many teachers who are very committed to helping to change students’ lives but Cassie is one of the few who I can count on to push me to get something done. She taught me to stay organized whether it deals with papers or keeping a clean backpack ready for the next class. I know I have slacked with classes in the past but I learn in the end that I have got to do better for a decent future. She didn’t only helped me by pushing me but to also improve ourselves when we’re out of class and that was during volleyball practice. She planned many competitions with other schools or volleyball events, such as a potluck in the evenings. With her help and true dedication, I know I will keep my memories for a long time.