To the most amazing drama teacher out there,

During my 18 1/2 years on this earth, I have had the privilege and honor of having you as my high school drama teacher. I'm sure you don't get that many letters from previous students, but you deserve to know how thankful I am for you. You have taught me so much and you have been there for me in my times of need. You treated me with respect and made me realize how amazing it is to step out of my comfort zone.

There was not one time that I didn't feel a rush of energy or excitement when I stepped onto that stage. I never had to try to be someone else to fit in; I fit in just by being myself. I don't think I ever told you, but you were the reason I decided to go to college for writing. You were so proud of my script that I wrote about a one eyed teddy bear and two sisters that were arguing over throwing it out. It was such a dumb, semi-funny script, but you were so proud of it; you were so proud of me.

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had the courage to go this far. You gave me the opportunity to expand my writing skills through so many monologues and I'm still sorry that I made you cry with the one from bystanders blues. You were the one who led me onto this path I'm journeying on today and I just wanted to say that I am beyond thankful for everything.

Through your class, I had made incredible memories with those I was close with; memories I would never trade for the world. There is never a time I don't find myself looking back on the four years I spent with you and the class and shedding a few tears. There are days where I wish I could turn back time and perform again, but I don't think I'd be able to go through another stage geography test without going insane.

I will never forget the feeling I had when I performed my last Spring Showcase. Bystander Blues had a huge impact on me and I want to thank you for the opportunity of taking on the role I had. It might not have seemed as that big of a deal, but it was. I got over so much just by performing that script. It gave me closure to so many things I was going through in my life at that time. So thank you so much.

I miss you and I miss being in your class with the people I was so close with. I miss being able to have someone to talk to about anything because I knew you would always be there when I was feeling down. You never made me feel out of place; you made me feel right at home. I can't wait to come back home and be able to come see another drama performance because they're always worth a trip home. The auditorium was my second home and I'm feeling more and more homesick over it as each day passes. I've tried finding a place here at college that makes me have the same feeling I had when I walked on stage, but I haven't been lucky enough yet. I guess there's just no place like home.

Singed,

Amanda Redlinger

A Forever Thespian Troop 7620 Member.