Dreadful. That’s the attitude I had about the last two years of high school. Of course that mindset is of my own fault, but I could see in my head exactly how it would all be laid out for me: stressful, difficult, lengthy, unfavorable. Already, I could almost feel as though the teachers often wanted to just chuck our graduation caps right us.
    Junior year is said to be one of the most important years throughout high school, apparently. College letters, important grades, graduation requirements; I was aware of it all.
I had Jewelry/Metals class on my 7th and 8th hour block class every other day. Walking into that class, I expected a poor outcome. My brain is not wired for the arts. My thoughts are unorganized, I’m messy and I am often undetermined. I could see a big C written on my report card already.
    Within minutes of starting a new class, I try to get a “feel” for my teacher: Is he/she approachable? Mr. Johnson’s demeanor made me feel welcomed without him even saying a word.
    Mr. Johnson had firstly mentioned all assignments for the entire semester, so the class could work at their own pace through the course of the semester. He was never once unwilling to help or catch me up (even if I was slacking and was 4 assignments behind). No matter how much I had done, or how much I didn’t have done, his attitude was always encouraging. Always busy walking back and forth in the classroom, his hands were moving left to right working with students, including myself, ensuring they were getting the assistance they need to make their projects beautiful. With a workload on his shoulders, irritation was never present among Mr. Johnson. Waiting for his help didn’t matter, students were patient with him because they saw the patience in him.
    Nothing poured out more of Mr. Johnson’s presence than his welcoming heart. No matter the day, he only reflected his hard-working attitude and selfless character. Regardless of the question you have or how much help you needed, he offered his hand out to you in full sincerity.  Of course, knowing me, I’m unable to get any piece of metal to stick together for more than 5 seconds without it completely falling apart, that was called “soldering” in the art world. Every single time, Mr. Johnson was there directing me and helping to perfect my piece- also to make it stick together of course. I got to make a ring that I still wear to this day, and hey, it still fits!
    Dreadful wasn’t exactly the word of choice I would use anymore. I gained a sense of admiration for other teachers that also showed traits like Mr. Johnson’s because I knew how uplifting it was to other students not just including myself. I nominate Mr. Johnson for this award because of his kind spirit and being completely selfless so that kids can come to school, and enjoy it.