By: Eden Tadesse
Teachers are undoubtedly among the rank of people in my life who’ve inspired me the most. It’s true. I’ve always gone the extra mile to let them know just how much I appreciate their presence in my life.
Two years ago, I lost my favorite teacher Mr. Al Hubert to a tragic (and sudden) heart attack. Mr. Hubert and I were very close due to our many common interests (politics, business, atheism, etc.). He taught me business and was also my homeroom teacher. Mr. Hubert had always been a strong parent figure to me. His death shattered my entire being. And what’s even worse… He literally died right in front of my eyes. As a young, innocent and naive 18-year-old, it was completely unbearable. I’ll always remember the exact moment the school nurse told me he passed away. I immediately collapsed. I was completely torn apart. I couldn’t even talk because I was crying so much.
Later that afternoon I had a scheduled interview with a university abroad. I knew it wasn’t something I could postpone just like that, so I decided to cancel it, as I was in no condition whatsoever to sit through an hour-long, rigorous interview. As I began writing my letter of apology to the university reps, my best friend Tia saw what I was doing and convinced me to pull myself together. My thoughts were completely disordered. I even looked like a mess with my swollen eyes and cheeks. I couldn’t think of anything except Mr. Hubert.
Tia wasn’t going to let me give up so easily. She bought me food, drinks, escorted me to the washroom to wash my face and helped me prepare for the interview. She was a major lifesaver that day. I couldn’t believe my transformation in just an hour. I reviewed my notes again and again, and when the time came, I took a deep breath and sat through the interview. I was without a doubt exhausted and disheartened. One of the first things they asked me was how my day was going. I told them I had a chaotic day and that I was feeling slightly tired. At that point I was 110% sure I blew it! Tia waited for an hour until I finished my interview and asked me how it went. I didn’t want to disappoint her so I told her everything went pretty good. She was really happy for me!
I panicked lightly and quietly convinced myself that was the last I’d ever hear from them. It wasn’t. To my surprise, I got accepted—and what’s more, I got a full academic scholarship. I was beyond happy!! I didn’t end up going there (because it was in Europe and I wanted India), but the fact that I got accepted and with such a large financial bursary meant everything to me.
I couldn’t have done it without Tia.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Eden’s life’s mission has always been to empower others to activate their potential, manifest their greatness and make a positive impact. For the past four to five years, she’s spent my life making an impact through various passions; blogging, volunteering, film-making, journalism, consulting, teaching, activism and entrepreneurship. She is currently the Founder of BlogUnit©, TechUnit©, Techtopia Blog, Motivation Island and ECCS (Eden’s CAS Counseling Services.