When I was in elementary school, there was always a week where students would bring gifts to their teachers to show them their appreciation. PTA's hosted events, brought catered food to classrooms, and raised awareness for our favorite teachers. But once I got to middle school, teacher appreciation week disappeared. So did the "pleases" and "thank yous." Respect and admiration became unimportant as popularity and status took over.

As we got older, it seemed as if we became less concerned for our teachers and their feelings. We began to regard them as authoritarian figures, ones who "purposefully" failed us in participation because they "didn't like" us, when in reality, we spent too much class time gossiping with our friends.

Now that I'm in college, I look back on all of the teachers I have had, professors included, and I feel a pang of regret. I have always been a goody-two-shoes, so I'd like to believe that I always gave off the sense that I appreciated them, but in all honesty, I'm not sure if that was always the case.

So this one is for you.

Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for spending your time drowning in papers, grading exams, and teaching us lessons from both inside and outside of textbooks. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and my biggest critic. Your faith in my skills has made me a better student, and the challenges you have given me continue to help craft my personality and determination.

I know it's not an easy job. I know that you get snotty students and disrespectful, inattentive parents.I know that you're underpaid, that your work continues long after school hours have ended. In knowing this, I'd just like to assure you that it does not go unnoticed. Even if those middle schoolers or college students aren't saying it aloud, I know that they are grateful. And if they're not at the moment, they will be.

My teachers have been some of the most influential individuals in my life. From first grade until my senior year in college, each one of you has provided me with some lesson, some moral, that I will carry with me forever. You taught me how to write. How to love reading. How to be kind and considerate.You taught me how to spell (or, you tried to. I'm still struggling a bit with this one). My teachers are arguably the ones who taught me the most about myself. You have shaped my approach and attitude toward academics. You have made me want to be the best student I can be, and as a result, I am striving to be the best person I can be.

So, thank you. I know this letter isn't the same as a week full of gifts, nor does it contain catered food, but I hope it conveys the same message. I appreciate you and all that you do. You're the best.

I hope I'm making you proud.

Love,

Your student.