I believe doctors are some of the most important people this world has to offer, but I believe teachers are as well. Teachers are the foundation for success implanted on today's youth. Teachers are underpaid and underestimated. I think people undersize the ability or affects teachers have on a child's life and how important they truly are.

For some reason, people fail to understand teachers don't just teach. Teachers nurture and care for children. Teachers put themselves at risk for the safety of children. Teachers are great listeners. Sometimes kids are too afraid to talk to their parents about certain things.

Teachers go above and beyond for children, but not everyone notices it.

Growing up, I was in and out of schools, due to my parents' separation. When I finally moved into a stable home with my father, I attended Wares Ferry Elementary School, where I grew to love my teachers. One, in particular, was Mr. Addison whom I still keep in contact with today. Mr. Addison did not see us as ordinary children but as his own. As soon as you stepped foot into his classroom, his love and positivity filled the air. He kept a snack closet for good behavior and always made sure nobody went without. Mr. Addison knew how smart I was and the abilities I had to further myself, and he helped me get where I was supposed to be.

In sixth grade, I met Mrs. Killough, who was one the sweetest and kindest women you could ever meet. Mrs. Killough listened to me when I cried and would always remind myself how awesome I truly was.

There is a saying that tenth grade is supposedly the hardest grade you will ever go through, and I speak from experience when I say this is true. I wasn't really understanding lessons or doing my work, but a lot of that came from my hardships in my home life. Home was rough sometimes, being without my mom sucked, and my dad struggled to take care of me and my brother alone. I woke up days wondering where the next meal would come from, wondering why I never felt good enough to please my father, and it sucked. I worked twenty-five hours a week to help and it never seemed enough. I honestly grew to hate myself and everything around me.

I began failing classes left and right, until one day I had a talk that would forever change my life. My Geometry teacher Mrs. Evans took the initiative to come to me. I wasn't the type to open up, but she made it easy. Mrs. Evans not only listened, but also she understood, she gave me hope, she made me feel important, and she saved me from a dark hole I felt I was not able to get out of. Mrs. Evans cried for me, she cried with me and expressed the pains she had underwent in her life, and reminded me I was not alone. She made adjustments in her schedule for tutoring and made sure I was able to benefit not only from her class but others as well.

This amazing teacher was like an angel that I never knew I needed until I had her.

Teachers are not just people who point at a board and assign problems. Teachers are role models, friends, and lifesavers. Teachers are some of the most important people the world has to offer, and sadly they are highly underpaid. I believe teachers set the bar. Teachers are the foundation for the success we see in our doctors, lawyers, astronauts, etc. Teachers are creating the next generation. Teachers are creating world changers, people who have to power to be the next president.

Teachers deserve so much more respect for all the hard work they put into teaching children every day.

They have lived on their own and still manage to change others. My teachers and interactions with kids have inspired me so much that this is who I want to be. I want to be the person preparing my future generation for success. I want to change lives, and let kids know I am more than your teacher, I am your supporter, and your guide through anything.

And this is why I have chosen to be an education major.