To My Favorite Teacher,

Thank you so much for everything.

That isn’t right. How do you give thanks to the person who changed your life? Without you, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. Before I met you, I had set such small goals for myself. I did not look forward to the future.

I didn’t apply myself to the best of my abilities. I took easy classes in high school so that I could get through them without being challenged. I read Sparknotes instead of the books or just watched the movies because before you, I thought they were the same. I always felt dumb because I didn’t think I was good enough to be involved or to be in upper-level classes. I didn’t take criticism well. I didn’t volunteer for anything. I only talked to my group of friends. I wasn’t close to any other teachers. I wasn’t the person who would discuss topics in class. I wasn’t the go-to person if you needed help. I was not the same before you.

You taught me how to be a scholar. You taught me how to read for deeper meaning. You taught me how to appreciate media, literature, and writing.

You taught me how to hold myself accountable. You taught me that life is all about deadlines and how to make it through them. You taught me how not to get stuck in a rut.

You taught me how to hold myself to a higher standard academically and in life in general. You taught me self-worth and that my mind can work magic. You taught me that even the littlest contribution can make a huge difference in the world.

Because of you, I wouldn’t have the experiences that got me into one of your Alma Maters. I wouldn’t have chosen the major or minors I have because of you. Heck, I don’t know if I would have been able to attend college if you wouldn’t have pushed me into doing scholarships.

Because of you, I wouldn’t be a campus leader. I wouldn’t be the person that everyone goes to for help. I wouldn’t be involved in really anything if you hadn’t encouraged me to put myself out there.

When I think about quitting, your voice is always there, cheering me on. When I write a paper, your voice is there, guiding my words, showing me what to analyze.

So, how do you tell the teacher who changed your life thank you? I don’t think that there is any way good enough. You did so much for me in high school, you have guided me through my present, and your lessons will lead me into my future.

In the words of the book that you read to our class senior year:

It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world - Chaos Theory.

Thank you, butterfly, for causing my typhoon.

Love you Momma Waters,

Forever, your Jules