Throughout my freshman and sophomore year at Arrowhead High School, math was a struggle for me. My sophomore year I was getting by with a C and constantly struggling. This caused me to dread going to class and learning math which used to be my favorite subject. 

My junior year I took pre-calc with Mr. Hessler. I was out with Covid the first week of my junior year, and the first day I came to class, I was so worried and stressed about being behind in class.

Until I met Mr. Hessler—he was so kind and helpful and made all my stress go away. Every single day he came to class with so much energy and enthusiasm. Whether he cracked a joke in the morning, played music or talked to us about our morning. He always found a way to brighten up my morning. 

Each morning he had a quote on the board to inspire us. Not only was he energetic each morning, he was also the most inspiring person I have met. He taught us that with perseverance and determination, we could do anything we strived for. 

Each unit we learned, he always found a way to relate it to our future. He talked about future jobs we could do with what we are learning. He was so invested with our future. He always wanted to hear about where kids were applying, how my sports game went, and how I was doing. He strived for me to be my best. 

Pre-calc was a struggle, but he made sure I was getting the help I needed. He was there in the morning, so kids could come in and ask for extra help. After getting an 89% on my math test, I walked past his classroom during the passing period and he said, “I’m so proud of you.” These words stuck with me throughout the whole year. Mr. Hessler cared so much about each and everyone one of his students.

He was so passionate about what he teached, and about all his students. He would show up to sporting events to support his students. I played field hockey my junior year, and each time I had a game he would say “Who are you playing?” or “Good luck tonight.” He may have thought this didn’t have an impact on me, but it did. I always wanted to come back to class letting him know we won. His motto was “always have moxie” which I never understood, until I realized it meant always having determination and perseverance. He represented determination and passion in the best way possible.

I am so thankful to have a teacher like Mr. Hessler. He changed my love for math, and taught me to always believe in myself. For that I am forever grateful for the impact you have made on my life, what you taught me will help me strive in the future. I hope everyone gets to experience a teacher like Mr. Hessler.