When I think about teachers who shaped the sort of student (and person) I am today, my mind jumps to Andrew Mack, my high-school math tutor. I met him as a freshman in high school. He had tutored my brother briefly. My brother was a natural mathematician, mastering formulas and solving equations in the blink of an eye. I think that Andrew expected me to take after him, and when I didn't, it was difficult for both of us. I distinctly remember a moment, early on in our knowing each other, when we were reviewing for a test. I felt overwhelmed and my mind just wouldn't think clearly or correctly. Tears welled in my eyes and Andrew's breaths were held tightly in his chest with frustration. He stood up briskly and exited the room. I was afraid that he'd given up on me with the subject. I started to cry, gathering my papers and textbook to leave the office. It wasn't the first time I'd experienced this sort of shame and Andrew certainly wouldn't have been the first math tutor to give up on me. Before I could leave, though, he returned, a small speaker and an origami set in his hands. He casually told me to sit down and asked my favorite music as he opened the kit and handed me a small sheet of paper with a small instructional pamphlet. Within a few moments, we were folding amateur origami swans and listening to John Mayer. This went on for about 15 minutes. After we were done, he talked me through his thoughts and my troubles:

"You are not a bad learner. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes practicing our weaknesses is draining. It's not my job to beat the life out of you so that you don't care about them. It's my job to help you feel strengthened and capable enough to face them. You feel better now, right? Perfect. Whenever you're ready, we can try again, this time with the music on."

We went on to complete my homework with astonishing fluidity. I didn't feel incompetent or ashamed or weak, I felt empowered and supported and competent. 

This was a pivotal experience for me as a student. I think I had always seen math as a subject that I could never conquer because I did not "naturally" draw the connections as quickly as the next person. Andrew Mack was a phenomenal teacher and role model. He used art and music - both subjects I cherish and value - to help me realize the importance of self-affirmation and care. I finished high school in three years rather than four and earned top marks in all of my classes, math included. It was far from easy, but Andrew Mack enabled me to realize that I am a hard-working and capable student in everything I do. My "natural" strengths fuel my dedication to conquer my weaknesses. 

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As a first-year student at Skidmore College, I have participated in two recent art-related projects through both a writing and dance class.  

After many weeks of studying both classical ballet and modern dance, I collaborated with four classmates to choreograph a dance routine to a song of our choice. We were instructed to include at least 24 counts of specifically instructed moves along with moves derived from creative liberty. This choreography was our final project within the class and we all received A's. The process of collaborating with others was incredibly valuable to me and the success of our collective effort felt even more gratifying than had it been only myself.

A primary project assigned within my writing class required me to complete a personal and artistic analysis of an art piece of my choice from the local museum. Initially, my sentiments toward the project were dull. However, upon my visit, my feelings changed.

Nancy Grossman is primarily known for her sculptures, but peculiarly enough, the piece I chose was a painting. It is titled Apollo The Healer. After some digging, I discovered that Grossman painted the piece right after suffering a major injury to her hand which crippled her ability to sculpt for many months. The piece I chose was sad, powerful, and inspiring all at once. I then spent hours dedicating myself to the completion of the project both academically and emotionally and received one of my best grades for the class.