Crescenta Valley High School

Mrs. Deitch, my 12th-grade English teacher, was a remarkable educator who left a lasting impact on me. Although I initially had reservations about her during my 10th grade remedial English class, my perception changed when I had the privilege of having her as my teacher in my senior year. Out of all the teachers I've had, she is one of the three who truly stood out. Fast forward to today, as a 31-year-old about to graduate from Chico State with a business degree, I attribute much of my success to the lessons I learned from Mrs. Deitch. Applying the knowledge and skills I acquired during my ten years of working in restaurants and various gigs, I excelled in my classes, consistently achieving nearly straight A's and taking on leadership roles. One particular book that Mrs. Deitch taught, "Enrique's Journey, " made a profound impact on my life. It resonated deeply with me when I formed a connection with Carlos, a co-worker at Froyo Life. Carlos, who tirelessly worked longer hours for less pay than anyone who had ever filled out a job application, exemplified the struggles depicted in the book. In fact, his job had cost him $500 in 2010, a price that has likely increased since then. Steady employment in a friendly environment is a rarity for individuals like Carlos, who bought his job from someone in the household of seven he lives with in Tujunga. Interestingly, my bond with Carlos was not solely based on "Enrique's Journey, " the book taught by Mrs. Deitch. Our friendship blossomed because we shared a peculiar fondness for scaring each other. Despite our limited understanding of each other's languages, we found joy in making each other laugh through acts of lighthearted mischief. It was this shared sense of humor and humility that brought us closer together. Moreover, "Enrique's Journey, " coupled with my personal connection to Carlos, played a crucial role in my college success. The book, with its profound themes and narratives, deepened my perspective on various social issues. As a result, I was able to apply these insights to my coursework, earning high grades and embracing a more empathetic worldview. One particular moment stands out in my memory. While I believed I had a relatively ordinary laptop, Carlos had never even heard of Google. I introduced him to Google Street View, allowing him to virtually explore the streets of his hometown in Guatemala. Witnessing the wonder and amazement in his eyes as he realized the capabilities of modern technology was a powerful reminder of the stark disparities in our experiences. Ultimately, Mrs. Deitch deserves immense credit for opening my eyes to the importance of striving for excellence in education. She inspired me to move beyond mere mediocrity and aim for higher achievements, encouraging me to transcend the mindset of settling for average grades. In conclusion, Mrs. Deitch's impact on my life extends far beyond the classroom. Through her teaching of "Enrique's Journey" and her dedication to nurturing her students, she equipped me with the tools to succeed academically and embrace meaningful connections with others. Her influence has shaped my perspective and instilled in me a lifelong passion for continuous learning and personal growth.

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