The Mentor that Lives in Our Head

In the book 'The Other Wes Moore', the author discusses how mentors played a huge role in his life. They made him take his choices and behavior seriously. At the bottom of page 179, he thanks such people for putting him on the right track and showing him what potential he has inside him. This hits very close to home because I, too, had a mentor who changed my life in a big way at a very important time in my life. My middle school teacher, Ms. Ouh, did that for me.

Ms. Ouh taught me English in middle school, but her influence extended far beyond the walls of her classroom. I was really struggling in school and was worried about the move to high school at that time. It was not easy learning English as a second language, and I did question my ability quite frequently. But Ms. Ouh believed in me during times when I didn't believe in myself. She was the first person who made me feel like I was smart and capable. Her encouragement helped me to realize that I could do anything I set my mind to. Ms. Ouh was the most outstanding teacher and always dedicated to her students. She didn't simply teach; she really cared about our success. She knew that learning a new language wasn't just about knowing words or grammar; it was about feeling confident and having a voice. She would often stay after school to help me with my work, explaining things until I understood. Her kindness and strong will never change, even when I have a hard time. 

One memory that stands out so clearly is the time she sat with me through a very difficult writing assignment. I felt frustrated and thought I couldn't do it, but Ms. Ouh wouldn't let me quit. She reminded me how far I'd come, and how much potential she saw in me. "You can do more than you think," she said. Those words stuck with me and became a saying I've held onto ever since. Ms. Ouh's help went beyond school subjects. When I was in the process of moving from middle school to high school, she helped me deal with this new phase in my school life.

She gave tips ranging from time management to selecting the right classes. Most importantly, she taught me how to believe in myself and my abilities. She highlighted how important it is to work hard, be strong, and set goals. These lessons still influence my life today. I really do think about Ms. Ouh even years later. Her support and belief in me helped me do well in school and, more importantly, believe in myself and my future. When problems arise or I am in doubt, I remember what she had to say about me and how she always saw the best in me, even when I couldn't see it myself. 

Beyond my experiences with Ms. Ouh, every person who crosses our path is a kind of mentor to us. Each one leaves something in us, big or small, and thus affects our journey through life. Some people, like Ms. Ouh, greatly influence who we become, while others may give us smaller but still important lessons. Good and not-so-easy meetings are equally helpful for one to grow and change his outlook on life and self. Having a mentor like Ms. Ouh showed me how important mentorship is and how strong a belief in others can be. Her example encourages me to help others, just like she helped me.

I try to help friends who are having a hard time and support those who do not believe in themselves, using the lessons she gave me. I also stay open to learning from every person because for sure, each can teach me something. In 'The Other Wes Moore', the authors' mentors were very important in changing his direction and showing him what he could do. For me, it was Ms. Ouh; she believed in me, advised me, and supported me in the understanding of my own capabilities, which set me on a path toward success. She taught me that with hard work, determination, and support from someone who believes in you, anything can be done. I still have to thank her for the guidance and the great influence she had on my life. And I would like to thank all the mentors, big and small, for helping me evolve every day.