When I was in the fifth grade my life changed. I was put into Mr.Wiley's class. He was a tall, slim man. I didn't know much about him, but what I heard made me somewhat apprehensive to have him as a teacher. Kids were scared of him because he wouldn't tolerate class clowns. School was serious to him, and over time he instilled that same seriousness in me.
I was always a bright student in elementary school. I made the honor roll every year since first grade. There was no challenge and none of my teachers pushed me to my full capabilities. When I met Mr.Wiley, he pushed, and he pushed hard. He set my standards higher . Just making the honor roll wasn't enough, I had to get straight A's.
Mr.Wiley has dedication and he has passion for what he does. Many teachers I've seen throughout my years, especially in high school, don't have those qualities. The paycheck doesn't matter to him, teaching is more than a job. He took the time to develop me into the student I am now. He hasn't given up on me and he continues to push me until this day.
Fortunately for me, Mr.Wiley is currently a counselor at my high school. I am more than grateful to have had him in my corner for these last seven years. My parents haven't been in my life much but with my grandma and Mr.Wiley's guiding I have made it through the storm. I was born an "at risk youth" but someone took the risk to be more than a teacher to me and I feel like I am forever indebted to him. The only way that debt will be payed is if I make him proud and show him that all the work he has put in has not been in vain. The first step in paying my debt is college...
