For those who do not already know, October 5 is world teachers day. This holiday, while not celebrated nearly as often as it should be, should at least give us all something to think about: have you thanked the teachers in your life?

Some people don't even thank their teachers during appreciation week, so please take the time to do so at your next opportunity. If you are not in school anymore, take the time to show your appreciation to the teachers in your life. These remarkable people work tirelessly to support, protect, and nurture the youth of this country every day.

For me, I have been surrounded by teachers my whole life, and not just at school. My mother and godmother are both wonderful teachers, and so are many of my other family members and family friends. I feel that this has always given me some additional insight to just how hard teachers really work, and how much they really care. I have witnessed how much the teachers in my life really put into their jobs- spending money out of their own pockets for classroom supplies, decorations, and items for their students in need. Not only do they sacrifice their money, but their time, as well- taking the time to write engaging lesson plans, staying after school to help their students who are struggling with the class content, help run clubs and organizations or coach, and meeting with parents who might not always be as understanding (to put it nicely). There are also plenty of struggles that teachers deal with that their students do not always notice. These range from ridiculous contract negotiations, the changing of curriculum and standards multiple times, and dealing with unappreciative students and parents. Regardless, teachers still make school as enjoyable and engaging as possible for their students, which make them gifted educators and human beings.

From pre-school to high school, I was fortunate enough to have teachers that supported me unconditionally and were always there for me when I needed help. I was given the opportunity to learn and grow under their guidance and I will be forever grateful for each of their impacts on shaping the person I am today. I will never forget being that kid when I was younger who would cry on the last day of school because I would miss my teacher from that school year. That just goes to show the impact teachers have on our lives. Writing this now, in college, I am getting overwhelmed thinking about all of these people who are so important to me, especially those that I formed special bonds with. I know that I wouldn't be sitting in the library of Villanova University writing this article because of so many of them. I hope that they all know just how much they mean to me.

As for the rest of the world, especially the population of people still receiving their education,

please appreciate your teachers. There are no other people in the world that can do what they do and support you no matter what. And to the teachers that I hope do read this, thank you.