To My Geometry Teacher,

Thank you for helping me be the person who I am today. I never thought I would be a more positive person today if it were not for you. In fact, I never thought I would be alive if it weren't for you. I know I was not the easiest student to handle but you saw some sort of potential in me no matter how many times I lashed out or was defiant. Your kindness and compassion made me not give up on high school and life. You are one of the teachers I missed when I switched schools and still miss a lot. I never thought a teacher would have that impact on me.

When I came back to school after being pulled out for a month due to my depression and anxiety, you always made sure I was OK. That made everything so much more better. You made yourself approachable to me when I was having a really bad day.

After 2 months of being at my new school, I sent you an email. I stated that I was going to commit suicide during my time at my first high school but you gave me a reason not to do it.

It was because of your compassion that I did not do it. I wanted to do really good and I did better than good. I did fantastic. I ended up graduating my other school with stellar grades leading me to be in the top 15% in my class and the best part is is that I made it out alive. I am going to college to study education. That is something I never thought I would do.

I am still overwhelmed a year and a half later at how much you did for me. You saw me at my lowest point and now I am getting better each day. I hope you get a chance to read this because in all honesty—I owe you so much. I am a more positive and caring person because of you. Thank you for being a truly genuine man, my role model, and my inspiration to do great things with my life.

Now as I end this letter, with tears in my eyes, I want to leave you with this: Please keep on teaching young people. Keep doing what you are doing to help them find their potential in life. Help them graduate. Help them find their purpose. Help them be better people—like you helped me.