2005 First Annual 4^th of July Essay Contest

Essay Question: Thinking about your future, where do you see yourself in 10 years and how has growing up in the small town of Gibbsboro shaped your goals and aspirations?

2005 Winning Essay written by Sara Kolojejchick

When I was given this essay topic, it made me speculate. I decided to break down my thinking. First, I asked myself where I saw myself in only 5 years. I realized that 5 years would put me in my fourth and most likely last, year of college. At this time, I saw myself earning a degree in secondary education, so that I could become a high school English teach. Thinking further down the line, I thought of where I saw myself 5 years from then, or ten years from now. I would be 27, and hopefully would have a successful career as a teacher.

Growing up in Gibbsboro has had a very significant influence on my goals for the future. Many of the teachers that taught me at Gibbsboro School helped me to realize what a wonderful and rewarding career this would be. A career that I could see myself enjoying and excelling in. Growing up in the tight knit family of Gibbsboro School, also aided me in the realization that if someone watches you grow up, you will have a bond forever. This kind of bond is wonderful. I myself love going back to Gibbsboro School to visit teachers and let them know how much I’ve learned from them. Letting my former teachers know how they’ve helped me, helps them; it lets them know that they are doing their job to the best of their ability, which is exactly what they should do. Gibbsboro is very fortunate to still have its own small school, that is not governed by a larger district. This small community school provides a very close bond between the teachers and the students, and also between the students themselves. The support that the community gives, helps enables this small school to keep its close knit charm.

This bond is part of what makes me want to live in and teach in a small town like Gibbsboro, someday.

Growing up in the town of Gibbsboro also gave me this very warm feeling of a community. This feeling is what helped form my dream to someday live in a town very much like Gibbsboro, and raise a family there. This sort of town is a great place to grow up. Children can ride their bikes or walk around with their friends. There is always an adventure to embark upon or an ice cream shop to visit. Also, it has a safe, community feel. Many a summer’s day I would disappear to a friends house for the day, and my mom wouldn’t worry, she knew I was around the corner, and that I would be home for dinner. This atmosphere was a wonderful way to grow up. This is the way I would like my children to be able to grow up.

Gibbsboro helped shape my dreams and goals. From the school’s wonderful teachers, who teach the best information and form strong bonds, to the way the town feels to both a child and a parent. This town helped give me a safe freedom as a child and, as an adolescent, opened my eyes to the wonderful profession of teaching.