I have never liked math. I never found it easy or fun, but during my sophomore year at Arrowhead High School, I took Advanced Algebra, and had the privilege of being taught by Mrs. Viegut, who was determined to change my outlook on the class.

At 7:26 in the morning, Mrs. Viegut was already bubbly and thrilled to be doing her job. Not only did she teach me math, but she also taught me to work hard, treat people kindly, and never give up.

On the first day of sophomore year, I was sat in the back with some other kids at my table. Being hearing and vision impaired, sitting away from the speaker is not recommended. But as the bell rang, Mrs. Viegut marched over and asked if I wanted to move to the front so I could see and hear her. Although she paid special attention to me, I kindly denied her offer, as I was fine in the back. However, when we changed seats both semesters, I was never in the back again, and instead, I always found myself in front row.

During first semester, I did my homework, and took the tests. Mrs. Viegut saw potential in me and so she pushed me. Every day when I was sitting in study hall, I would hear her ask me, “Did you do your math homework yet?” even though math was just three periods before. To others that could get annoying, but I took it as a compliment. Mrs. Viegut was going out of her way to make sure I was not struggling.

During second semester, my study hall turned into a second math class. Every day during Mrs. Viegut’s sixth hour lunch, she was in the library tutoring me and going through each and every homework problem. At times, I thought it was excessive, and I wouldn’t want to go, but every day she would come and find me so I could ask questions and work on improving my skills. Any other teacher would eat their lunch and have you come in a different hour, but she was so dedicated to me that she found a different time for eating.

As the semester progressed, and I took quizzes and tests, I noticed I was no longer struggling, and there were many times during the course when I thought math was fun!

In addition to teaching math, Mrs. Viegut also helped kids who were struggling, or just needed someone to be there for them. Her job description is a math instructor, but she wanted to help people overcome depression, or  other problems, and do better in school--no matter how big or how small.

Her bright personality, and devotion to me, made me want to help other people. I would FaceTime kids in my grade the night before tests, taking them through problems the same way Mrs. Viegut did with me.

The day of my second semester final was a sad day in the math room. But it wasn’t because of my grade. On the day of the final,  Mrs. Viegut announced this was her last year, and she would be retiring. It came as a shock to all of us. She explained she did not want us to think she wanted to get out of here and not help us anymore--she said there was nothing she would rather be doing. She said she had been teaching for a while, and it was just her time to retire.

After turning my exam in, her smile was as bright as the sun as she said my name and gave me a hug. This made me feel accomplished, because it showed me that she was truly proud of me and what I had done.

Later that night, my mom pranced into the room with a smile on her face, holding her phone. She informed me that she had just received an email from Mrs. Viegut saying how much of a pleasure I was to have in class, and how she would miss me. Mrs. Viegut told my mom how much I improved once I set my mind to it, and other nice things as well. No teacher has ever done that for me.

Mrs. Viegut has always been selfless, understanding, and motivated, and I hope to one day help people like she has helped me.