My High School Experience: the Influence of a Special Person

My timid freshman-year-self walked into my counselor’s office with tremendous fear. I was too shy to talk to my guidance counselor throughout my first year at the high school, so I had no idea what to expect. As I entered the office, I saw a friendly face waiting to greet me. When she introduced herself as Ms. Wexler, I did not think much of it. Little did I know that she would become an invaluable part of my high school experience and academic success. This is my high school experience essay where I want share a bit about this important person in my high school life. 

As the time for scheduling classes approached, I worried about my future. Within a few minutes of our meeting, Ms. Wexler calmed me down and helped me sort through innumerable thoughts in my head, reassuring me that I didn’t need to know every single aspect of the future at that moment, relieving much of my stress. 

Sophomore year Ms. Wexler’s office became a familiar place for me. Her friendly, encouraging tone helped me to not give up when school became stressful, and this more relaxed approach to life played an important role in my high school success. When I chose classes for junior year, I doubted my abilities and was nervous about my class choices. Fortunately, Ms. Wexler believed in me more than I believed in myself; she encouraged me to push myself and take multiple AP classes, and I watched as she skillfully juggled my schedule around in order to ensure I would get the classes I wanted. I ended up doing well in these classes, but I never would have known my abilities without her push. Without her, I would not have recognized my own potential for success.  

Her support has been unwavering even to this day. When I go into her office worrying about college and my future career, she continues to have the amazing ability to appease me, reminding me of that first meeting freshmen year. When I questioned applying to UVA because I didn’t think I would ever be able to handle its academic stress, Ms. Wexler reminded me of the moments I doubted myself and the eventual success I later experienced. 

I applied and was accepted, and this would not have been possible without everything Ms. Wexler has done for me. She helped not only in the application process but also in my self-confidence and growth throughout high school which are crucial aspects to the person I am today.