It's strange-- I'm a recent college graduate, new to the adult world, and throughout the past couple of months, I have been running into a handful of my teachers from elementary, middle, and high school. It's as if the universe is bringing me to each and every one of them to tell them that I've graduated from college. At each occurrence, the teacher from my formative years says, "Congratulations, that's quite an accomplishment!" Yet each time, I feel the urge to thank them profusely, for their passion, guidance, and life lessons are what truly fostered the college graduate in me.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I definitely believe this to be true. Even though I went home to my amazing parents every day after school, each of my teachers still had a hand in my development as a person. Of course, I felt closer to and may have learned more from some teachers than others; nevertheless, I am grateful to each and every one of them for dedicating their lives to serve others.

Furthermore, one thought that has remained constant throughout my education is that public school teaching is greatly underpaid and underappreciated. It amazes me that the people who are instilling knowledge and the very foundations of our communities into our youth are more or less disregarded. Fun fact: The teachers within Alameda Unified School District (the district where I attended school) are among the lowest paid in Alameda County , which houses over 20 school districts.

The average teaching salary in AUSD is $57,223, while the average teaching salary in the entire state is $84,889 . One can identify teacher specific salaries on Transparent California , which is a site that showcases the salaries of every employee working in education in the state, including athletic coaches, school counselors, college professors, etc.

California is currently experiencing a teacher shortage, and it's no wonder why. Teachingdegree.org reports, "One of the leading deterrents for college students hoping to attain a teaching certification in California is the prospect of what kind of salary they can expect after fulfilling the teaching requirements in California and beginning their new career." We must ask our community and state leaders, is a teacher's wage a livable wage? Is a teacher's salary fair? To put things in perspective, superintendents make six figures, but how many classrooms do they set foot in each year?

My grandmother was a middle school math and science teacher for over 40 years and something she would always say is, "Teaching isn't about the money, it's about the passion." I commend teachers of the past, present, and future for their selflessness, educating and encouraging our communities' youth to be the best versions of themselves.

I'm immensely grateful to my teachers for helping me become the best version of myself, and for always remembering my name.