Every day it was the same phrase: “Are you guys excited for chemistry today?” she would say with a smile as bright as the sun. I never was—but I liked the class.

The first semester at Arrowhead High School I was a shy, silent scholar only answering questions when called on. I was okay at chemistry, but my motivation wasn’t there. Mrs. Koch tried her best to involve students who seemed to be struggling or not participating. Personally, I dislike being called on when my hand isn’t raised, but I guess she saw it as an opportunity to enhance my learning.

After being sick for an entire week before finals, Mrs. Koch let me know that it’s okay if I turned some things in late and that I should take my time on the assignments that I missed to make sure it’s quality work. She’s always so cooperative and easygoing when it comes to school.

I was at a B- with a test to make up and a final exam to take. The week went by and I had finished with a low A and I couldn’t believe it. I did good on the test and mediocre on the final, maybe those bonus points helped me get the A. She is always looking to improve the grades of her students.

The next semester starts and I remember walking into a class that was about half the size of my last one. The bell rings and Mrs. Koch says, “Welcome to Honors Chemistry,” with a smile as bright as a light. In my head I remember thinking, This lady loves her job. When a teacher loves what they do, it’s a better learning environment for all.

The new semester brought new people as my friends from the last class weren’t in it. I was a little dead inside and felt alone. Luckily for me, that classroom began to feel more comfortable.

I began to show my more energetic, comical, and talkative personality. Was it the teacher that created this environment or did I change? I don’t know but what I do know is that Mrs. Koch isn’t going to shy away from opening up and being personable with her students.

There was a huge group presentation and I hate public speaking. However for some reason when I went up there with my group to present, I felt like a different person—casually confident and expressing myself in a way I never thought I would as I taught the class about radiation.

After the presentation and class was over, Mrs. Koch told me, “You know, Harrison, you should bring this side of you out more,” talking about my contagious personality.

What she doesn’t realize is that I didn’t bring it out, she brought it out. She did this by making the classroom feel like home, by coming to work and enjoying what she does, and making students smile and excited to learn.

Even though I’m not always raising my hand, or explaining why something happens scientifically, she still finds a way to make me enjoy the class.