Gregory Moss, a former English teacher of mine, was unlike any other man. He was inspiring, dedicated, helpful, and overall-a person I wish everyone could have had the opportunity to meet. His class made learning fun, and there was never a dull moment. Whether he was cracking a joke, or quizzing us seeing if we read for homework, he never failed to brighten anyone’s day. I can remember his class vividly, but one day stands out in particular. This was the day he brought up the idea of journalism to me. He always knew that I was interested in pursing a career in sports broadcasting and he firmly believed that this was a course that could help me get that dream started.

It was something I was strongly against because the high school newspaper wasn’t the most successful club at the time. I made it clear that I didn’t think I would be able to get myself into it, but after minutes of persuasion, I was convinced that this was something I should try. Later on, at the first meeting, I was the youngest and least experienced in the room and this only pushed me further out of the door. I was intimidated, shy, and thought anything that I wrote was going to get torn apart. But I stayed. I sat there, silent.

As time went on, I became accustomed to how the class worked. I learned that everyone was willing to help, I was getting taught how to layout a newspaper, and even some of my articles were being published. This was an exhilarating moment for me and at this time, I was thankful that Mr. Moss encouraged me to give this a shot.

Entering my senior year, I was offered the position to become editor-in-chief and I knew this was something I couldn’t turn down. His encouraging words allowed me to take on this task with pride and I couldn’t have thanked him enough for being by my side the entire time. He was one of my biggest supporters and was always willing to help me write, edit, and publish my work. He helped spark unique ideas, told me to “keep it up buddy,” each time I did something well but also provided constrictive criticism when I needed to hear it. This strengthened my sense of discipline because in today’s world, that’s ultimately what is going to make someone successful. My senior year happened in a blink of an eye and with the support of him and other classmates, this role was completed successfully and further passed on.

Through the college application process, Mr. Moss was yet again, there through it all. When I was declaring a major, I instantly thought of him. He pushed me further and further to follow my dreams and that I can’t let anyone stop me. This was when I knew that I was going to study communication. If it wasn’t for him, I think the fear of being unsuccessful, would have overpowered me. I would have continued to sit in that room in silence, and most likely never pursued my dreams further.

On just another day in September 2015, I was waking up in my dorm room at Purdue University, getting ready to go to a day’s worth of classes. As usual, I pulled out my phone and checked every social media, because a lot can go on overnight. But this night was different. This night, I lost my teacher, my mentor, my friend, and my biggest inspiration. Former high school friends of mine were posting about Mr. Moss followed by the words, rest in peace.

At this point, I was in utter shock. I felt disconnected being fifteen hours away from home and I didn’t know how to take the news. I had to muster up the courage to go to class that day knowing one of my biggest supporters and friends was no longer with me. My stomach was in knots and I kept refreshing social media, hoping it wasn’t true.

I can’t say I got accustomed to living a life without him, because I don’t think I ever will. I have just taken everything he taught me and made it more profound in my every day life. So, thank you, Mr. Moss for inspiring me to become the person I want to be, and pushing me to take that journalism course. Thank you for making my freshman year of high school, a little less scary and a whole lot more entertaining. Thank you for ultimately sparking my lifelong goal, inspiring me to follow my dreams, put myself out there, and most importantly, be my very best self. My first “big girl” article goes out to you. Thank you for everything and I hope I can continue to make you proud up there.