To the teacher that inspired me the most,

Most people talk about how inspirational teachers are because of their actions, but the reason you are an inspirational person in my eyes is not because of your actions. I could go on and list reasons why you are an awesome individual, but I would rather tell you in this letter by showing you how much I have improved as a writer.

You have an ability that no one will be able to master within a lifetime. While most teachers expect their students to master the standards in their class, you elevated the standards within my own life. An example of this is demonstrated effectively when you took on a Doctorate Program along with performing your duties as department chair, yearbook adviser and substitute coach for the Thomson High School Cross Country Team. You flawlessly managed these tasks, yet no one knew about the personal issues going on within your own life.

I personally think that you have helped to shape an entire class of students due to your ability and compassion for students. I have never looked up to a teacher until my freshman year when I walked into your journalism class. You scared me to the core, yet it never once crossed my mind that you did not care for your students. Your ability to make the best out of any scenario demonstrates why you are one of the most respectable adults within my own life.

Most students expect to impact their teachers, yet I personally feel that this is quite opposite. You impacted my life in more ways than any person can describe. You took the time within your own life to nurture me into the adult that I am today. Lately, I have felt like giving up on my dreams of becoming a teacher due to the amount of negativity within my own life. I did not have that much support for me becoming a teacher, but you and your amazing department helped me realize that this is my dream.

In society today, a lot of individuals expect instant results. My generation expects to be making a six figure salary right out of college. In my eyes, why would I be miserable and rich when I can have an average lifestyle and be happy? You made me finally realize that I did not need to pick a career based on money. My career choice should be based on my happiness and my own dreams. You have opened my eyes to a new way of looking at life. I will forever be appreciative of this.

The quote that I feel is an overall theme for my life is stated by Todd Skinner. It states that, "We can not lower the mountains, therefore we must elevate ourselves." So thank you for helping me be sound in my own decision of becoming an educator. I hope that I can strive to be as amazing of a person as you are and that I can live up to your expectations as a fellow colleague.

Sincerely,

Your former student