When college students think back to their high school days, they give an overwhelming, exasperated sigh. Despite perky school counselors trying to convince students that High School will be the best four years of their lives, students cannot help but think otherwise. This is mainly due to the countless amounts of homework (if you are on the Honors track and decide to take rigorous college-level courses. At my high school, it was CIS: College in the Schools through the University of Minnesota) while trying to focus on sports and activities outside of school. Being one of the busy students who seemed to have a lot on her plate, I understand how high school could be overwhelming at times. However, I must not let my personal struggles blind me from seeing the positive impact my high school endeavor has had on me. There were various intellectual teachers who pushed me to new boundaries, preparing for more than I ever realized. I have lots to be thankful for.

One of the most interesting aspects of grade school is how students switch from teacher to teacher as they move higher up grader levels. They develop a strong connection to one teacher over the course of the year but soon move on with a new teacher the following year. This could not be truer when students go off to college, leaving behind the very instructors who helped them get there in the first place. It is ironic how our education system works like that. However, if there was one thing I could say to my 12th grade CIS Public Speaking teacher, Mrs. Barbone, it is that your class was able to penetrate my comfort zone. It allowed me to express myself in front of a group of students I was not comfortable speaking with outside of class. Your class made me more confident with myself to talk about issues I cared about. These topics ranged from why the education system needs to implement creativity to creating an anti-ad on a marketable and popular item. I also remember when we had to give a persuasive speech about a topic we were passionate on by presenting a convincing argument. Not to mention the engaging moments that made me closer to my classmates.

On the contrary, Mr. Laughlin's CIS University Writing course was a definite struggle because I could not grasp the concept of a college level grading system so quickly. However, I truly believe your class was able to prepare me to write at a rigorous level by being more descriptive and analytical. Even though my brain was constantly rattled by writing countless mediocre drafts and trying to decipher your concise feedback, I honestly thought your class prepared me for my first term seminar, a writing intensive course. Only then did I know your toughness molded me into a persevering individual who needed to try her best. It also made me appreciate your teaching style.

There was no other greater memory than working on the 2015-2016 Shakopee High School Yearbook in Mr. Brown's class. Much of the joy and thrill came from my fellow peers as we tried our best not to procrastinate on completing the momentous book. It turns out there were many times when we decided to put off our important tasks in order to fool around, and it was surprising how my teacher remained silent and did not condone us. Instead, his philosophy consisted of making us learn for ourselves that we needed to get our work done; we would eventually come to the realization that we had a critical deadline to meet. As far fetched as it was at the time, this actually worked because we were able to get our act together toward the end. Therefore, thank you, Mr. Brown, for teaching a class that made me manage my time better, and helped me develop my inner social butterfly. I had the honor to work with a group of wonderful, unique peers who did not judge each other on their ideas. Of course, there was silly banter with you, a youthful instructor, as well. It was one of those classes I looked forward to because of the tight-nit creative environment.

Although I maintained good relationships with teachers in the English Department (my most interested field), there was one in another department who was so heartwarming and thoughtful. Mrs. Beran, I am talking about you. I was never the star student in my CIS Spanish class, and I frequently struggled to master the language. I would often feel discouraged after trying so hard, but never receiving the result, I aimed for. However, you would always encourage me by telling me that I was a hard worker who was capable of accomplishing her goals. You never downplayed anyone's intelligence, and you always had a positive, happy vibe that assured everything would be okay. You made sure to check on the mental well-being of your students by taking the time to listen to their real life concerns. That is a rare and important quality to have.

Of course, there were countless other teachers that helped me get to where I am today. The list does not stop at these four, considering it would take a novel to write about them all. Closing my thoughts, I hope all of you (including any teacher I ever had) understands the tremendous impact you have had on me as an individual. I want you all to know that it will never go unnoticed, nor will I ever take it for granted as I set forth on this journey called life. Thank You.

Best regards,

Monali Bhakta