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Like I said, I’m not a pro; so I can’t guarantee it’s the best approach. </p>
<p>However I should add that in writing this type of essay you follow the maxim “don’t describe yourself, show them with stories”. The words about respecting and loving learning would appear nowhere in the essay. Instead you’d recount how you blew off homework, etc, but then turned the corner. It may have been an influential teacher, or fascination with a class/classes, or just a sense of dawning maturity. You explain what happened and why. </p>
<p>Saying “I came to love my classes and what the school was trying to do for us” does sound corny, but something like this is what I’m thinking for a portion of the essay: “I began speaking up in class, and in order to keep up with the level of my classmates at top-HS I found myself spending more and more time reading my textbooks and even reviewing my notes. No more doodling for me. I knew something had changed the day in history class I gave MY reasons for the Boston Tea Party and Ms. Smith smiled and said ‘class, that’s the kind of answer I’m looking for’. I’d never heard that before, and I was so happy I was floating in my seat!”</p>
<p>I don’t know what kind of deadlines you’re facing, but the parents board is a good source of advice from other adults who’ve been there. And this site offers a paid essay service that might be worth considering to get skilled advice on where to go next.</p>