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As a child I loved attending school, and I know that my passion for learning originated in the classrooms of amazing teachers. My experiences at Jefferson Elementary School, LBC Middle School, and Midland Valley High School in Aiken County, South Carolina were remarkable and initiated my career path in education.
There were many teachers that positively influenced my life, but Mrs. Calvernetta Williams was by far my favorite. She was assigned as my Cooperating Teacher by the University of South Carolina and she taught High School Life Sciences at W.J. Keenan High School in Richland County, South Carolina. From the moment I met her she was a great inspiration. She made science come alive while teaching us life lessons, discipline, and compassion. She never gave up on students and always inspired them to strive for their best.
Mrs. Williams encouraged me as I learned the fundamentals of teaching, and she never withheld constructive criticism. She also taught me how to prepare engaging lessons, motivate students, and make science relevant to their lives. Mrs. Williams was supportive in many areas of my life and imparted wisdom on how to be a great teacher.
After she heard about my nomination for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award in South Carolina she enthusiastically told me to “go for it,” and provided me with the first letter of recommendation. Mrs. Williams always cheered me on and supported me through many life situations. She taught me the importance of being a lifelong learner and helped me enhance my teaching craft. She also instilled several valuable lessons that will resonate in my mind for years to come: 1) the importance of taking time for myself, 2) how to forgive myself in situation that I could not control, and 3) positive speaking eliminates negativity.
Mrs. Calvernetta Williams I truly appreciate everything you have done and everything you continue to do in my life.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.