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From Mr. Pendola I Learned that Attitude Is Everything BY Jacob Laurence
Without Mr. Pendola’s timely guidance and motivation as I entered high school, I would not have made the decisions that I made to succeed. With the help of this educator, I am now able to look at my past mistakes, and use them to make better decisions in my future. The key is not to dwell on the past, but to focus on the present, always putting my best effort forward and keeping the future constantly in mind. Changing my attitude has changed my life, marking my transition from childhood to adulthood.
From Mr. Pendola I Learned that Attitude Is Everything
BY Jacob Laurence
Throughout life, everyone must make a transition from adolescence to adulthood; whether it’s physical or mental, it’s something each individual must endure and handle in their own way. In my freshman year of high school, the push I needed to make this change came in the form of my teacher, Mr. Pendola. This man served as a strong mentor from the start, making his passion of teaching evident. Prior to this class, I was anticipating the same uninteresting English material I had experienced in all of my prior years of education. However, when I sat in my desk and listened to the words of wisdom Mr. Pendola had to share, I was astonished.
Due to his teachings, I became aware of my potential and realized that all I had to do was, “Go get it” as he encouraged me to do often. I went from an average student who had little regard for education, to becoming thirsty for new knowledge in all subjects. In Mr. Pendola’s class, I did not have any close friends to distract me, and, in turn, I became more focused on the work. Rather than socializing like I had always done, I recognized how well I was doing once I put effort into my work, and wanted to continue. I knew I needed to make a permanent change. No longer would I stay up late, skip homework, or avoid studying. Instead, there would be full academic dedication. From this point, I made several commitments to myself, and continue to follow these virtues. I transitioned from a follower to a leader, focusing on my own ideas.
With this transition, I became someone who shows responsibility, makes good decisions, and works hard. Although I never did anything explicitly bad prior to my awakening in Mr. Pendola’s class, I admit I was a slacker. Mr. Pendola transformed my attitude. I began completing homework assignments on time and studying for every test and quiz that was coming up, making me a much better student. For the first time in my life, I was free to gleam at an A on returned quizzes and tests, rather than a bad grade I would turn face-down on my desk. I have done nothing but improve since I realized work had value, a homework assignment became a means of education that was necessary to succeed, rather than a pointless piece of paper I had once thought it to be. With this changed mindset, I have missed zero homework assignments throughout the entirety of my years attending high school. Though homework may seem unimportant to many, there is an immense pride that comes from completing it daily. Despite being once oblivious to the power of education, I matured and realized that by continuing this streak of laziness I was only hurting myself in the long run. When I reflected on my character, deciding I was not the best person I could be, I changed for the better and became an adult.
Although I ultimately, in all likelihood, would have graduated performing at an average level, if it were not for Mr. Pendola, I would not have exceeded to the degree I have in high school. The power of self motivation moved me to achieve straight A’s for three years and partake in the National Honor Society. Without Mr. Pendola’s timely guidance and motivation as I entered high school, I would not have made the decisions that I made to succeed. With the help of this educator, I am now able to look at my past mistakes, and use them to make better decisions in my future. The key is not to dwell on the past, but to focus on the present, always putting my best effort forward and keeping the future constantly in mind. Changing my attitude has changed my life, marking my transition from childhood to adulthood.