The Teacher who Changed My Life

 "The Teacher who changed my Life" is a short essay written by Nicholas Gage.This is a non-fiction story that portrays real people who were part of the author's life. In this story,Gage talks about why and how he migrated to the US and the important person in his life, Marjorie Hurd who inspired him to pursue a career in journalism.

Nicholas Gage was born on Greece in 1939 and he migrated to US 10 years later.He and his sisters were sent to the Us in 1949 because of the severe conflict in Greece.The Communist guerrillas occupied their village, took their home and food. His mother, Eleni Gatzoviannis made a secret plan for their escape and be safe with their new father in the USA. During the time of departure she told him to be brave promising to come to him later but she was imprisoned, tortured and shot by The Communist guerrillas for sending them to freedom.When they reached to the US,they met their new father.He joined Greendale Elementary School where they were kept in a class of mentally retarded.Four years later in 7th grade he joined Chandler Junior High where he met Marjorie Hurd. Marjorie Hurd was an inspirational teacher who paved the way for his career as a writer.Gage found Miss Hurd an inspirational teacher for numerous reason.She encourages students especially those from troubled homes, with tough love.She has students real stories about real people,especially underdogs doing extraordinary things.She introduced him to Greece literature which gave him a new perspective and pride on his own culture.He learned many important things for her.He learned the value of diligence and hardwork,journalism skills, the logic and structure of the English language,Greece literature.She then asked him write a story about his mother's death.He was quite hesitant at first but decided to write all the painful memories of his mother's death and the escape from Communist guerrillas.She published his essay on the school newspaper and his friends started showing him sympathy through which he understood the power of written word.She then submits it for a contest for which he won a medal.She attends all his family celebrations and participates enthusiastically and provides moral support.His mother was an inspiration to him. His mother really wanted her children to receive an education. This sacrifice developed a sense of responsibility and him and he cannot let his mother's sacrifice become meaningless so he worked hard and got scholarships.

Everybody goes through painful situations in their lives which they never want to recall. Those who overcome and get through this situation can only create a meaning life.For this we need help and support of others to show us the right direction.We might get lost but we can still be found if somebody help us.In this story also Miss Hurd has given purpose to Gage's life by showing him the way of his life.