Jonathan Mooney - Teachers Make a Difference

The speaker shares a transformative experience with Father Young, a Jesuit priest and Shakespeare scholar, who inspired him to overcome his learning disability and succeed academically. Initially attending university on a soccer scholarship, the speaker did not see himself as a student. However, Father Young's passion for education ignited a change, leading the speaker to excel in English literature and graduate with honors. The narrative highlights the profound impact educators can have by connecting with students and fostering their potential.

Who was the educator that made a significant impact on the narrator's life?

• A high school teacher

• A soccer coach

• Father Young, a Jesuit priest

• A fellow student

What was the narrator's initial perception of themselves at the university?

• A dedicated student

• A literature enthusiast

• An athlete with a learning disability

• A science major

How did Father Young's approach to education affect the narrator?

• It led them to drop out of university

• It made them focus more on sports

• It inspired them to consider a major in English

• It discouraged them from pursuing academics

What change did the narrator experience after meeting Father Young?

• They excelled in English literature

• They focused solely on sports

• They dropped out of university

• They switched to a science major

According to the narrator, what is the broader role of educators?

• To prepare students for tests

• To enforce strict discipline

• To help individuals become their best selves

• To focus on job readiness