Throughout my life, I have had many teachers who have influenced me, but the most significant influence was my band teacher, Mr. McKown. Maybe it was his short stature, or perhaps it was his sporadic form of thinking, but I do know he helped a little part of me that no other human could stitch back together. Mr. Mckown, a mid-fifties balding man, married to his charming wife (inconsequential, she was my third and fifth-grade teacher), who together helped raise four inspirational children, is the most influential teacher in all of my high school career because he doesn't care what people think, he's passionate about what he teaches and has a heart for GOD. Mr. McKown gave not a thought to what people assumed of him; the only thing he cared about was what the Lord regarded. Rolling up to school in a tin can of a car with rusty peeling green paint, stepping outside in a wrinkled pinstriped shirt, baggy black sweatpants, and Nike Fruity Pebble Shoes, he'd pull off his broken aviators with style and confidence. Would he break the school dress code, perhaps, but would the school dare to fire this man? Never. Strolling in 10 minutes late, he'd pull out his scrawled and tattered bible and begin the teacher's meeting, fervently preaching the word till the students banging and pleading to unlock the classroom doors caused him to halt. Not one insult got to him; someone made fun of his outfit, and he'd shoot back with a Bible verse. Self-conscious remarks, and he'd slash back with, 'I'm fearfully and wonderfully made in Christ.' His ADHD could only process what GOD thought of him, which was truly inspiring. Secondly, he was highly passionate about what he taught: the bible and band. As the first chair for flute since fifth grade, I've grown close to McKown and learned a great deal about him, including how much he enjoys the art of band and scripture. Getting a band award was a thrilling moment when he exclaimed, "I couldn't believe it; I found someone who had more passion for an instrument than me." His deep connection with his subject causes a deep connection with the students. He cares deeply about their salvation and teaches them valuable life skills that extend beyond our high school careers. A truly passionate teacher will stoop down and help a student where they are rather than expecting them to be something great from the start. McKown is a prime example of this. He truly taught me the art of compassion, passion, and love. Lastly, he has a heart for GOD. I walked into his 8th-grade Bible class and, for the first time, was moved by the word, so conflicted by it that I got baptized nearly five months later. As I mentioned earlier, he doesn't just care about our physical health but also our spiritual well-being. Always giving to organizations, traveling, and preaching the word, McKown inspired me to give my heart fully to GOD and how freeing it is to serve him every day. In conclusion, McKown had the most profound influence on me, showing me that I should give thought to what God wants, what genuine compassion, passion, and love truly look like, and what a great example of a heart for God embodies.