I dread science classes, but I needed chemistry if I wanted to become a nurse. I signed up for the class junior year at Arrowhead High School. The first day of chemistry caused the hairs on my arm to stick up. I never expected I would connect with the teacher at the front of the class

Every time while I was in lab, she came up to the stations and would talk to everyone. I was quiet, I tried to keep to my work. She came to my group and looked down at my paper.

 She said, “you are very thorough when you write, you would make a good nurse.” 

I thought it was comical because my mom tells me that all the time. After, we talked about our weekends or how the day was going. Small talk doesn’t seem important, but to someone who is terrified to speak up, it makes a difference. I felt more comfortable. More comfortable to ask questions, say my thoughts, and work with others. 

Next semester, after every class, we talked for five or ten minutes. She never pushed me away or seemed uninterested. We would talk about work or healthy eating habits. When I was sick, she checked up on me when I came back.

She taught me there is no “I didn’t have time” or excuses. I needed to balance my time and school should be first on the list. I never missed an assignment, even when I worked till 10pm every other night. It carried through to all my classes. I was motivated.

Mrs. Schneider, thank you for changing my habits and making me realize I can do better. My life has not only changed in terms of doing better in school, but I have a healthier lifestyle, which I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

The most demanding year of high school didn’t seem so impossible. This was thanks to a teacher who pulled me out of the thick fog that surrounded me for most of my academic years. A teacher who goes beyond the classroom and makes connections with students. Thank you, Mrs. Schneider, for making chemistry less dreadful and helping me become a nurse.