Growing up, I always had teachers who in one way or another inspired me. Whether it be through their lessons, their stories, or just who they were as people, I had several good teachers through my years of schooling. Despite having those I looked up to, I never had considered any of them my "favorite." That is, until 2013...

Back Track

As a senior in high school, I would have considered myself a good student. I did well in classes and got by fairly easily. When it came time to start applying to colleges, however, I was afraid that I would not be accepted anywhere. For that reason, I ended up applying to five different colleges and universities around my hometown. I knew deep down that I didn't want to go far, but at the end of the day, I wanted the school I picked to have a better-than-average reputation. I was also more concerned that which ever school I committed to was well-known for its nursing program.

It was in October when I received my first response back from one of the schools I applied to, only two weeks after I had submitted the application. I couldn't have been more happy, not only because I was getting at least one answer back, but it was also from my top choice! From that day on, I knew it was a sign for me to go to Gwynedd-Mercy College (at the time), and I even went as far to tell my dad that I wanted to send in the acceptance deposit. He wanted me to wait though to hear back from other possibilities. I ended up hearing back from all five schools, but my mind was still set on Gwynedd.

After we sent in the acceptance deposit, my dad and I toured the school and met with several admissions personnel. I fell in love with the campus, as well as the news of small classes. It had always been an important aspect for me to be able to not only create relationships with my fellow classmates, but also with the teachers, as well.

As time went on, I was more eager for high school to end and for college to start. I was excited to be joining the Griffin family as a nursing student.

Fast Forward (a little)

Now that I was done graduation and summer was upon me, I still couldn't get over how excited I was to start at Gwynedd. Yet, that excitement soon mixed with anxiety as the first day approached. It was in August that I had the opportunity to meet other freshmen as well as teachers. Over the course of three days, we partook in ice-breaker activities, campus tours, volunteer events, and meet and greets. It was certainly a great experience, other than the fact that I had no voice due to a recent tonsil removal. I was luckily though to have clicked pretty quickly with one of the other girls in my orientation group. Little did I know, she would eventually become my best friend at the school. It was because of her, too, that I also met the lady that would become my favorite teacher of all time.

As part of our on-campus orientation day, all the students had the privilege of attending an activities fair. It was during this fair that I followed my new friend, Emily, around to look at tables and check out the different clubs. Although I was a commuter my freshman year, I knew I still wanted to get involved in one way or another. Now, Emily knew immediately that she wanted to join the school's choir group, The Voices of Gwynedd. She even went as far to say that it was the first table she wanted to stop at. Well, of course being that I knew no one else, I followed her to check it out. In my head, I considered if maybe I wanted to join. I mean, I had sung in different choirs growing up, and it was always something I liked to do, even if I wasn't the best. As we approached the table....mind you, I still had no voice... all I can recall is being approached my the director of the group.

In one of the most enthusiastic, upbeat, cheerful expressions I've ever witnessed, she opened with, "Hello, I am Carol Evans, and I am the director of the Voices of Gwynedd."

I will never forget that day, partly because it not only slightly intimidated me, but it would also go on to be such an important day for me.

Fast Forward (to 2016)

It is now the fall semester of my fourth year at Gwynedd Mercy (now) University. Unfortunately, I am not able to yet say that I am a senior, but I can say that I am still a student here, going for my BSN in nursing.

The last four years have not been easy. In fact, they have been the most challenging four years of my life thus far. Between school, friends, family, and about a million other aspects of my life, I have been on a whirlwind of craziness. I have traveled down wrong paths, switched paths, been stuck on paths, and yet, I still manage to keep going. I truly believe one of the biggest reasons for that is due to the fact that I have been a member of the Voices of Gwynedd for the last four years. Not only am I lucky enough to be a member, but I have also been an officer for the group during my time here, as well. Yet, it isn't just the group that has kept me going, oh no. It is that one crazy lady who intimidated me during my first few days on campus. It is truly due to Carol Evans that I have been able to come this far.

An Open Letter To My Favorite Teacher:

Who knew that it would take a little bit of intimidation and a whole lot of craziness to have initially won me over. That first day, I truly didn't know what to think or how to feel. I could sense your passion for the group, and singing in general from the first moment I met you. It was that pure passion that drew me in to check out practices. I will admit, though, you did scare me a little bit during those first moments, so that may have also been another reason I was willing to come to that "back-to-school rehearsal." As I started going to weekly practices, though, I very quickly had the feeling of belonging. It didn't feel like just a choir group I had joined; instead, I felt like I had been welcomed into a family.

That sense of belonging and family only grew as my time continued. Little did I know that being just another ordinary choir director was far from what you were, or what you are. The way you use your love for music and singing to connect to people on a personal level has been an inspiration to me. There are not many teachers out there who go beyond the classroom to be involved in their students' lives. However, the way you have been that ear to talk to, that shoulder to cry on, and that constant means of love has always been very important to me. My time at school has not been easy. I've faced failing classes, while also struggling with my own personal and family issues. Yet, at the end of the day, you have always been there with open arms. Your advice and prayers have kept me going.

Aside from the numerous amounts of love and advice, it's because of you that I have had experiences beyond many other students my age. Not many people can say they've sung at several different sports venues, at Disney World, and at many other places around the country. I have yet to stlil travel abroad with you, as well. You have filled my life with happiness, positivity, and more than I can ever explain. For all those things, I have to say thank you.

Thank you for bringing me into your family and guiding me down the right paths, even when I wandered.

Thank you for being that light in my life that never burned out or gave up on me.

Thank you for filling my life with love, smiles, guidance, and spirituality.

Thank you for always giving me that feeling that you will be there with open arms whenever I need you.

Thank you for growing my appreciation in music, and showing me how to connect music with all that goes on in my life.

Thank you for making such an impact on my life that I will be forever grateful for.

You have certainly been a constant rainbow in my life. You have made me smile when all I've wanted to do was cry; you have shown me light when all I saw was darkness.

You have helped me to grow not only as a singer and a student, but as a human being myself. You have shown me the power of music in every day situations.

You have given me a gift that I will cherish and hold on to forever.

I love you.