As a sixth-grader new to North Shore middle school I was no less than intimidated. I felt  I would not be able to do it. I could not be able to navigate around the school, I would not be able to find my classrooms... The list goes on. I also was going through trouble time in my life (still the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with in my life to this day six years later). My Grandma had passed away from a disease called emphysema, my 6-year-old cousin passed away from an inoperable cancerous brain tumor. I felt like I was losing everything in life, yet the people I looked up to, most (Mom and Dad) were divorced. This had all happened in a six month period, eight months before my first day of middle school.

I walked into my social studies class on the first day. My teacher Mrs. Schimenz stood by the door welcoming everyone. I felt warm when I was with her as if everything in my life would be okay.

Three weeks into the school year I got back a test with a “D” on it. Feeling sad, I did not know what to do. Everything from my past was built up. Walking to Mrs. Schimenz I said, “May I talk to you about this?” Before she could say anything, tears filled my eyes. Silently she whispered, “let’s talk outside.”

We made it outside the classroom door, and tears dripped down my face. Yet she said nothing. Instead, she gave me a hug I will remember for the rest of my life. The feeling of love and support overcame me. I said everything that was on my mind and happening in my life. She looked me in the eyes and said, “Everything is going to be okay.” For the first time, I believed those words.

Mrs. Schimenz told me about the time her parents divorced and how hard it was on her. She said “The only thing I could do was think about whose fault it was.'' I never felt more connected to someone. 

She said, “I tried my best to listen in class and I would look at the clock and see that I did not think about it for ten minutes. I would do it again and soon it became 30 minutes. Soon enough you will get through your hard times.” 

I took her experience to heart. looking at the clock over and over. I slowly forgot about my hard times.

Mrs. Schimenz was not only an inspiration but a leader full of wisdom. If I would not have received her sweet, warm hug, and calming advice, I would not be the same person today. Mrs.Schimenz did not only help a lost little sixth grader learn how to persevere, but she changed the way I handle my problems for the rest of my life. For that, I want to say thank you.