On the first day of fourth grade, my teacher, Mrs. Brown, told my class a story about her husband Rob, who is a brain cancer survivor. After what Mrs. Brown experienced with Robs' illness, she decided to devote part of her life to an organization called Be head Strong, which works to support families with a member suffering from brain cancer.
Along with typical math and science, throughout the year, Mrs. Brown shared stories with us about people in Be Head Strong who had overcome some tough and unfair battles. Mrs. Brown never showed any sadness or confusion toward the disease. She instead spoke only with words of determination to find a cure. Whether news from Be Head Strong was good or bad, she always looked at the situation as an opportunity to improve and do more.
My parents taught me from a very young age that making wise choices with my money is important. I would always set aside most of my $
2.50-a-week allowance. By the end of the school year, I had saved over one hundred dollars, $
131.30 to be exact. One day was wondering what to do with it. I did not feel like any game or toy was worth the time I had spent saving. I thought about the stories Mrs. Brown told us, then I decided that was where I wanted my money to go.
As the last day of school approached, my mom helped me wrap the heart-shaped box full of dollars and coins. After all the other kids had left on the last day of school, I handed Mrs. Brown the present. As she opened it, I told her that I wanted the money to go to Be Head Strong to help people like Rob. She broke into tears and hugged me tightly.
People may not always realize how big of an influence one kind gesture can make One teacher encouraged a decision in my life that has changed the way how I live.