This (be) such an amazing opportunity and I love every minute! (past simple vs present perfect simple)

What words or phrases you to recognize the historical context of the line 7

Which line from the story of my life by helen keller is an example of a simile? during the whole trip i did not have one fit of temper, there were so many things to keep my mind and fingers busy. i was like that ship before my education began, only i was without compass or sounding-line, and had no way of knowing how near the harbour was. one day, while i was playing with my new doll, miss sullivan put my big rag doll into my lap also, spelled "d-o-l-l" and tried to make me understand that "d-o-l-l" applied to both. child as i was, i at once felt the tenderness and sympathy which endeared dr. bell to so many hearts, as his wonderful achievements enlist their admiration.

What is the the story about in the movie freedom writers be very detailed.