To The Teacher That Changed My Life,

You didn't make my life easy, you didn't baby me, and you weren't always my best friend. However, you did push me to be my best, support me through each obstacle, and become one of the most important mentors in life. Being a teacher is a tough job. You work really hard to prepare your students for the real world and help them become great human beings. You give up eating, sleeping, and your personal time to help your students and more often than not, you're taken for granted. Students never see how hard your job can be but without people like you, we wouldn't be half the people we are today!

You made me work harder than I could ever imagine. When you first started as my teacher, I imagined you would be just as any other teacher I'd had. You would do what you had to in order to make us pass and then go home and live your happy life. But you were the complete opposite. You came in early, dedicated every moment of class to instilling a passion for learning in us, and stayed all evening to perfect our craft and help us become our best. When I thought I couldn't achieve something, you were there to push me. I didn't always like it but I learned that nothing is impossible; you just have to keep working for it. I gained so much from both the failures and successes but most importantly, I learned to not give up. Working hard never goes out of style.

You didn't just help me further my craft, you made me a better person. By not getting what I wanted I learned to be humble and grateful. When you're young, you think you deserve everything you want. It's a hard lesson to learn that sometimes hard work isn't enough. But in learning that, I also learned to be grateful for every opportunity I am given. You taught me care about something bigger than myself, to be a team player, and to respect others. Each opportunity you gave me helped me grow into a stronger, better human being and I am eternally grateful.

Teachers don't get the credit they deserve. And some days it's probably harder to teach than others. Whenever you start to doubt if you're a good teacher or feel like you will never get through to a student, remember this: You completely changed my life. You are an AMAZING teacher and even though some aren't grateful for all you do for them, many are. You have made a difference in so many young people's lives and you will continue to do so. Thank you for everything you have done for me and so many others.

Sincerely,

Your Grateful Former Student