Lessons of AP Biology

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This was one of the most common questions that I was asked as a kid. Every time I was asked, I responded with a different profession- a doctor, dentist, singer, professional soccer player. I had no idea; I wanted to do it all. It was not until I was a junior in high school that I knew for sure that I wanted to teach.

It was the first day of what was going to be my toughest class ever, AP Biology, with the most difficult teacher-Mr. H. Before I even walked into the class, at least ten people told me to just drop the class, that I was not going to do well. I decided that I would try it but I did not think that I would make it through the year in this class, after all, it was considered to be one of the most difficult classes offered in my school and lucky for me I got the hardest teacher.

I walked into my third period class very nervously, but just as nervous as every other student in the class. It was apparent that the entire class had already heard the same facts as I had about the class. But to my surprise, AP Biology was the only class I attended every single day of the year, and loved it.

Yes it was not a rumor that Mr. H was indeed the most difficult teacher I have ever had, but he also impacted my life more than any other teacher. He had a different teaching style that I had never experienced before. He had the greatest teacher/student relationship with every single student. But most importantly, he taught me how to think. He never accepted anything until it was proved. As challenging as his class was, he made me realize how important it is to critically think, not just in his class, but in life. Mr. H not only impacted my life but showed me the kind of teacher that I want to become.

-- Robin