Here's to the teacher who inspired us all, who changed many of our lives, who cared for us like we were his own kids. Who went above and beyond to help us with whatever we were going through.

1. You inspired us.

You taught us that we have dreams and that we should reach for them. You showed us all the things you did in life and made us want to do the same.

2. You taught us how to serve others.

It may have been a part of your job to teach us how to help others, but you took it above and beyond. You made us want to help others and that doing good things was not about service hours to put on your college application or work resume.

3. You took time out of your life for your students.

We all knew how busy you were, yet you were one of the first adults many of us went to with our problems. You would come in early, spend your lunch, or stay after class late with us if we really needed someone to talk to.

4. You created a bond of trust between you and your students.

It can be hard to get students interested in school or their teachers lives at all, but you made us look at teachers in a new light.

5. You showed us our dreams were reachable and helped us get started achieving them.

You gave us so many opportunities and chances to help us get more involved with what we love to do. You opened doors for our career path.

6. You were our #1 supporter.

It wasn't surprising to see you at a sports game or awards ceremony to support your students.

7. You stay in touch.

It's not surprising that many of us go back to visit you at school or shoot you a text to let you know how we're doing, and you always reciprocate and are happy to make time for us even though we aren't your students anymore.