Here are some of the unedited essays that students of this school have submitted in their portfolios.  These thought provoking essays are included because of the positive message they convey.  Happy reading.

Second Dan Essay

  Being the guinea-pig of my school, I have spent loads of time teaching.  Before I became a black belt, teaching seemed to be the ultimate hassle, I had to deal with bratty kids, and adults twice the size of me. With becoming a black belt I have also become a teacher. I am now an associate instructor, and teach as often as I can. In class there is always a student every one dreads teaching. Over the last year I have learned that those are the students who need to be taught the most.  Teaching students who no one wants to teach is a great challenge, but watching the student’s improvements is the greatest reward because it shows all of the elements of why people take Taekwondo.

  Before I became a “teacher” I strived to work with the best students, because they were easy to teach. Within the last year I learned to strive to work with those students who don’t catch on as easily, or those with discipline problems. I think these students are the ones who need the most attention, but are often forgotten about. To work with these students you must treat them as any other student, but with the utmost patience. I often have to experiment with new teaching techniques, that I often carry over to other students as well. Teaching those who no one wants to teach is a challenging, slow process and it needs the utmost patience.      

  When I can see that something that I have taught has carried over and made an imprint on the student I find it to be the greatest reward.   After the first major break through has taken place you can see a domino effect. The student will gain self esteem through your excitement and over time gain focus and self discipline. These elements of Taekwondo are gained after hard work, much improvement and lots of fun. Once these elements have been attained they will stay with the student for the rest of their lives to make them successful people. Knowing that I am a small part of what makes this person’s future is one of the most exciting experiences, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

  Teaching students who no one wants to teach is a great challenge, but watching the students improvements is the greatest reward because it shows all of the elements of why people take Taekwondo. In teaching these students I not only feel that I have helped their future, but I now know that they have changed mine. These students have guided me in the direction of becoming a special education teacher giving me the opportunity to continue to help more students. Becoming a black belt has changed my life, and now I want to help others change theirs.