An Open Letter To My Favorite Middle School Teacher | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

An Open Letter To My Favorite Middle School Teacher

Even at my worst you brought out my best, thank you.

Alyssa Fairman
Jun 07, 2016
Goucher College
719
An Open Letter To My Favorite Middle School Teacher
Evan Guinessy

To my most inspirational teacher:

The first day of school is always nerve-racking, I had no idea what to expect. Were you going to be easygoing? Tough? Funny? Uptight?

As a group of scared seventh grade students walked through the middle school halls you were standing there ready to welcome your new students. Your friendly personality slowly eased the fears of 30 twelve and thirteen year olds. As the first day went by we all started to feel at home and feel excited for the school year. Gradually we all started to open up and enjoy ourselves.

You challenged us to be the best students we could be. You pushed us far out of our comfort zones. You introduced us to geology. You never went easy on us. You pushed all of us to succeed. You didn't sugar-coat anything, which made us more open with you.

You showed me not to be ashamed of who I am. You showed me that I have a voice and should stand up for myself. You encouraged me to try new things, especially things that may have been awkward or uncomfortable. You showed me that being honest with myself is important. You showed me that being myself was the best thing I could be.

You taught me to take a stand in what I believe. You taught me to trust and be brave. You taught me to stop holding back feelings. You taught me how to be different and be my own person.

You showed me that my past does not define me. You showed me that I am in control of my life and if I want something to change, I have the power to make that change. When I didn't believe in myself, you did. When I needed advice or someone to talk to, you were there. When something was going on in my life, it was you I trusted. You taught me to stick up for myself and what I believe in. You taught me to speak my mind and never hold back. You took my weaknesses and helped me make them reasons I was strong.

You brought me out of my shell. You made me a more confident person. You forced me to be uncomfortable. You encouraged me to talk about my feelings. You pushed me to my limits because you knew I wouldn't do it without a push. You made me strong. You made me come to terms with my hardships. And you taught me how to overcome those hardships.

Even after I graduated middle school, you stayed in touch. You cared about me and genuinely wanted to know how I was doing in high school. You took time out of your busy schedule to have lunch and catch up. You even came to my orchestra performance and high school graduation.

Thank you for never giving up on me, for making middle school better, for teaching me valuable life lessons, and for being my biggest supporter in my dreams (besides my mom). You taught me to never back down. You were the push I needed to believe in myself. I owe my growth as a person to you.

So, thank you for always being there for me and believing in me. Even at my worst you brought out my best. Thank you for believing in me and helping me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

7 Experiences All Girls With Resting Bitch Face Have Had

The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

University of South Florida
1305
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
rbf
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

Dean College
448
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
bobs burgers
Adulting

Adulting 101: In Sickness And In Self

Everybody hurts sometimes.

Georgia State University
378
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
adulting
Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha
1137
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
class registration
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky
1581
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
senior year

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments