A Tribute to Mr. H and Mr. B

This is a tribute to not one, but two people who have always been there for me. As you may know, I take part in Taekwondo and I am very committed to ATA. I have two instructors who have always been there for me and helped me grow stronger. I started going to ATA in Glenview when I was in 4th grade. Before I started taking Taekwondo, I was a weak little gremlin who couldn't even ask a friend for a pencil. Mrs. McDonald told my mother that I seemed more confident which was a result in taking classes at ATA. Mr. H and Mr. B have always been there for me, ever since the day I walked through the door to the school over 4 years ago. I use the phrase, "Confidence, yes I can, Confidence." to this very day and it's because of both of you.


Dear Mr. B,
I'm so happy that you work at Glenview ATA. You make classes so much fun with your enthusiasm for torturing us. You are so nice to everyone when you talk with us about video games and Pokemon. You even tease me about that one kid who Steven claims I "stalk". Just because I find him really cute and get excited about seeing him at tournaments doesn't mean I stalk him. Meli was the one who looked up his instagram, not me.

I was able to tell you about my worst problems before I could even tell my own sister. You made me feel safe and comforted me. I was so scared that day because I just felt all of that pressure just fall down on me. I'm still scared but I know that you're there for me. You're there for everyone in the school. And I know you're going to be a great father because of this.

Another thing that I want to thank you for is bugging me about Creative and Extreme forms at tournaments. You're still pestering me about how I need to find music and amp up my forms. I actually found one, I just need to edit it.


Dear Mr H,
When I first stepped on to the mat, I knew that ATA would become my second family. I was just a scared little gremlin who was had a confidence level of -8. You were so welcoming to me. Because of how you welcomed me to that brand new chapter in my life, I had always made a goal to impress you. When I got my black belt, I tried so hard not to cry because I knew you were so proud. You make sure everyone shows their full potential and feels safe in class. I have always admired that.

In one of the LIT classes, you taught Jo and I about honesty and talked about how people look up to us black belts and leadership students. I remembered how when I saw you, I wanted to be just like you. I wanted to get my kicks up high and have great stances. I've always seen you as a second father. I'm sorry if that sounds weird but it's true. You've always been there for everyone. I was so scared and lost but now I have a goal to reach for.

When you handed me my Leadership Uniform, I almost cried. That was the weekend after meli was sent to that horrible, hellish hospital. I was lost and scared because I had finally realized how serious my sister's problem was, but when you gave me the binder and jacket, I felt strong. I felt that way because I knew you were so proud of me. One of your first students following in your footsteps. That's something pretty amazing.

Without these two amazing instructors, I don't know where I'd be. You both are so amazing and have made me feel safe in my darkest hours. I hope to become just like you two in the future. Thank you.