Teen takes teachers' lessons to heart; plans to give back

The quote, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even touched. They must be felt with the heart," came from someone who made a difference in the world Helen Keller.

There are those who chose to help physically, intellectually or simply help anyway they can. These individuals share the desire to aid others in times of need.

However, unlike other individuals, the quote came from someone who had a skill that she either possessed or gained through experience teaching.

Teachers across the world have taught many of the Earth's inhabitants the skills for them to succeed.

Helen Keller was a woman who grew up blind and deaf. As a child she could not speak in coherent phrases, leaving her future to appear bleak and uncertain. Fortunately a teacher came along, and having the required capabilities, taught her how to function in the world despite her differences.

Thanks to her teacher, Keller later became a teacher who helped other individuals with similar problems.

I understand the importance of teachers. My piano teacher, Natasha Vaisenberg, and martial arts teacher, Ray Purruganan, teach me valuable information. Knowledge that will undoubtedly help me in the near future.

For more than five wonderful years, Natasha has taught me all the basic aspects of music which is allowing me to become the best musician that I can be and also has instructed me on how to not only play with the correct notes and arithmetic of the musical measures, but also has helped me play with all my feelings and emotions, so the sounds created may exhibit my utmost and true feelings toward the piece and the audience.

This is followed by my lessons with Sensei Ray who for many years has taught me the foundational techniques required to survive in a real life-threatening situation and know how to properly react.

I do not know what I'd do without them for they have not only taught me valuable experiences that I hope to one day pass onto others, but also that of life. With Natasha teaching me the basis of music and Ray teaching me the importance of respect and self-defense, each teacher seeks to help me become the best I possibly can.

And really this is true for many teachers, professors and tutors who shape and nurture the world.

This article is the opinion of Keeven Macik. Macik is a sophomore at Kenai Central High School.