Everyone has one or more people who had inspired and influenced them while they were in school. Whether that was a coach, a teacher or a guidance counselor, for me, those people were and still are my speech coaches.

Growing up, I was shy and didn't really like to draw attention, but once I got to high school you convinced me to go out for speech for that any many other things I want to thank you. Speech was probably the best thing that happened to me, and I have you to thank for that.

Thank you for never giving up on me...

You always told me how great I was even if I didn't think so. You never let me give up even when that was the only thing that I wanted to do at the point in time. No matter how many times I wanted to stop, you pushed me and said, "Try it one more time."

Thank you for putting up with me and being patient...

Looking back I realized that I was probably a thorn in your side, so thank you for putting up with that. Thank you for always sticking with me, no matter how many times I changed my speech or my visual aids. You always supported me no matter what I chose to do.

Thank you for encouraging me to be my best...

You never let me stop being me, and never stifled my creativity even if you thought I was wrong. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best,with out you I would never have gotten my scholarship. Thank you for pushing me to do things that at first I wasn't comfortable with but in the end benefited from.

Thank you for allows being there when I needed you...

You were always there for me when I wanted to practice, whether that was 6 o'clock in the morning or 8 o'clock at night, you were always there with a smile and ready to help. Also, for being there just when I need to talk or freak out you were always listening and trying to help. Thank you for listen to me complain about much I disliked other competitors or judges. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on when things didn't go well for me, like missing out on state by a couple points. Thank you for giving me advice on everything I came to you with.

Finally, thank you for being you...

You are an extraordinary person who would do anything to help me when I need it, even now that I am not in high school. Thank you for treating me like I was part of your family. Thank you for being the amazing coach, teacher and friend you were and are, because without you I would not be the person I am today. Thank you so much!

Also a huge thank you to my college speech coach who helped me survive college. Thank you for treating me like family, and thank you for going all "mother bear" on people who insulted us. You truly made my first two years of college unforgettable.