First of all, thank you for dealing with my poor attitude freshman year. I started FFA expecting to hate it and wanting nothing to do with it. You were patient and eventually changed my mind. You are the type of person that I strive to be.

Not only did I have a bad attitude, I was broken. I had been through a lot by the time that I started high school. I had dealt with things that kids my age had never even considered could happen to them. I know that I hadn't. Instead of throwing me in the back corner when I talked too much or didn't pay attention, you let me come around on my own. You let me discover things that I really enjoyed.

You made yourself available at any time. Once I came around, I found sanctuary in the ag room. I didn't need a guidance counselor when my second home was in your classroom. You took an interest in me. You helped me develop my interests, as well as my weaknesses. You taught me how to present myself to people, and the rewarding feeling of working hard for something.

You never gave up on me. You always pushed me to be better, to work harder, to come out on top. You also taught me that sometimes I won't be the best, and you taught me how to celebrate either way. You taught me how to be ready for the next time. You helped me to see that I will always have weaknesses, but to focus on my strengths and everything will work out.

You showed me that I am a leader. You also helped me see that sometimes I need to be a follower. You truly helped me find myself. You also helped me become the person that I am today. You are what lead me to find my passion. I am now taking classes over animals, plants, and machinery that I have no experience with.

Why?

Because one day I hope to be like you. You are constantly in the back of my head when I start feeling like I can't do something or that I'm not cut out to me an ag teacher. I always remind myself that my lack of agricultural background doesn't matter. I still try to think of what you would do when I have to come up with strategies and plans for the classroom.

Because every time that I work with students who struggle in one way or another and they say "thank you" or cry because they have a teacher who listens to them, helps them, understands them, I think of you helping me fumble through high school. You are truly a gift, and I am so thankful that I had you as my mentor.

There are so many more things that I could thank you for, but I will stick with this. Thank you for helping me become who I am today. Thank you for helping me for finding my passion. Thank you for helping me believe in the future of agriculture and my part in this inspiring task.