Dear teacher,

Thank you! Thank you for simply being you. For showing us a piece of who you are through your passion for what you teach about. For not letting those night classes get you down and instead looked for things in those classes (maybe not on purpose) to share with us, perhaps making them more bearable and worthwhile.

For standing up for me when all I wanted to do was learn. Your class got me through senior year and to graduation day. It is because of you that I'm studying to be an English teacher like you! The way you talked about things like Brideshead and the sublime, and how you stirred the imaginations and creativity within us inspired me to want to make that same difference one day.

Sitting in your classroom senior year, I decided I wanted to be like you when I grew up. Your teaching methods helped me learn because they weren't the usual powerpoint lectures that many teachers use. I always enjoyed your "teacher writing" and it helped me remember and take in what you taught in a more in-depth way.

You were also there for me when I needed you the most. Whether it was an after school quick conversation, a smile in the halls, or a simple greeting, you always made it known that I was important and mattered. As someone who wasn't exactly popular and often struggled with having friends who actually would hang out after school and as someone who struggled with depression, each of these little moments meant the world to me and each one has made a difference.

I hope you're as proud of me as I am of you. Your classroom was a safe space for me that I want to one day create for my students. You truly have made a difference in my life. Even though I'm no longer in your class, your class has never left me. I hope you continue to teach despite and the struggles and hardships that come with it. I hope to one day teach alongside you and continue to grow. I know I've told you thank you on several occasions, but I truly believe that no amount of words or thank you's can ever express the depth of my gratitude.

They cannot express how much you have truly inspired me! I cannot express what an amazing friend and mentor you have been and always will be. You have done so much for me, but you have also done so much for so many others. For every ungrateful parent/student, just know there are ten students of yours (past and present) who are forever grateful for your part in their lives. I know I am! You are the real MVP!

You are the greatest teacher I ever had and ever will have. No matter what school I end up at in the future, just know I'm probably going to be coming to you for advice, so get ready. You were my greatest mentor and always will be! Thank you and God bless you!