Starting a new semester at college has had me thinking about all the teachers I’ve had. Ones I liked, ones I didn’t like, and all the ones in between. I noticed how much they taught me outside of just math and reading. Teachers have changed my life and made me who I am today.

1. From the teacher that told me I wasn’t smart enough, I learned that I was.

This teacher showed me that while I may not be perfect, nor do I have the IQ of a genius, I was only getting better each day. Life is pointless if there is no growth. Each day, I remember that I can be a little better than yesterday, and that I will be a little better tomorrow.

2. From the teacher that told me I could be president, I learned that I really could do anything.

She always told me to remember her when I gave my victory speech. Maybe she actually believed I could hold office, and maybe she just wanted me to have big dreams, but one way or another, she told me I could be anything. Just because I am a female, or because I make little mistakes doesn’t mean I can’t be whatever I want. She taught me that there are no limits.

3. From the teacher that encouraged me when I was border-line failing, I learned to be confident.

I struggled all year in this particular teacher’s class, but he constantly told me that I would pass in the end and get the credit for both high school and college. And he was right. Because he believed in me, I knew I could do it. The same goes for everyone around me. Be encouraging. Be inspiring. Be up-lifting.

4. From the teacher that accepted me into her program, I found my passion.

Without her class and the opportunities it gave me, I would never know that working with children with special needs is my passion. I wouldn’t have found an hour a day to get to serve kids throughout my area. I wouldn’t have discovered that my heart lies in getting to make someone else’s day just a little bit better.

5. From the teacher that put more into her job than we could ever give back, I learned that life is about passion.

To her, music wasn’t just a hobby, it was a way of life. Perfection didn’t lie in the end goal, it was in the process. She taught me to demand only the best from myself. She inspired me to never let go of what I love to do because at the end of the day, what I love will be all I have.

6. From the teacher that let me fail over and over again, I learned hard work.

From one failed paper to the next, and endless hours before and after school trying to correct them, I discovered what it truly means to work hard. Her class was a constant reminder that success is earned, not given. She showed me what it meant to not give up because I wasn’t right the first time. As I watched my grade slowly rise, I realized what true happiness is.

To all the teachers I have ever had, I thank you. I’m grateful for all the work you put into it so that I can be where I am today. As a teacher’s daughter, I understand the long nights of grading followed by the extra hours of planning, just so that your students reach success. I am thankful to each of you for your desire to build young minds and then continue to care for us as we go.