Ashley F., Centerville High School
Being The Best YOU!
I was in seventh grade when it first started. It was the middle of the school year and I was doing work in science, my last period of the day. I was as tired as a bear in hibernation, desperately trying to finish my schoolwork before the bell rang. Suddenly, something interrupted my work; my band teacher pulled me into the hallway. I didn’t know what I had done, but I was sure I was in trouble. I stood there, anxiously waiting for my punishment. However, to my dismay, she asked me for help instead. A 6th grader in band was about to quit, and she asked me if I could come to the 6th-grade class at the end of the week to help her. I was shocked. Out of all the other students in percussion, why had she picked me, a seventh-grader? At that moment I knew I had to make a decision, but I didn’t have to do much thinking about it. I couldn''t disappoint my band teacher, so I said yes.
That Friday I missed study hall to help the 6th grader. I was nervous; I had never met these people in my life, what would they think of me? I took a deep breath and entered the band room. The whole class''s eyes were on me. I took a deep breath, said hello to the class, and introduced myself to the 6th grader.
After we were introduced, the 6th grader and I went to a practice room. I helped her with the things she was struggling with and tried my best to encourage her. After the class, I reported back to the band teacher, asking if I could come the next week. I didn''t know at first that this would become a full-on commitment. I showed up week after week and even went to the early morning percussion class. I was giving up my study halls to help teach, but I didn''t care. I loved it! At first, it was the one 6th grader, but by the end of the year, I was helping them all.
Unfortunately, the person I was told to help quit at the end of the year. While I was sad I understood that band wasn’t for everyone. The next year, I taught the new group of 6th graders and even inspired one I had taught in the previous year to teach with me. It was then that I realized that I loved helping people become the best they could be.
This year, I am taking time out of my busy schedule to mentor a middle schooler every week. I’m glad that my experience helping people In middle school has also carried with me to high school. This experience has helped me build my confidence, and leadership skills, and learn to stay committed. The most important thing I learned is to be your best version of yourself and help others to achieve it too; all while having fun!
