To all my lovely teachers and professors out there, both those who have taught me, are teaching me, or will be/haven't taught me:

From the deepest depths of the Dead Sea (lowest point on earth) to God's glorious throne above,

Thank you.

As a student, I thank you... for taking the time and effort to teach me what you know, to pour your life's knowledge of said subject(s), as well as blood, sweat, and tears into enlightening me and the rest of the classes you're teaching have taught. I know you work equally hard to that of student's own efforts, staying up late to grade papers, maybe feeling disheartened if you have to give a lower grade to one you had high hopes for, planning lessons, lectures, dealing with unruly/unusual pupils, sometimes skipping meals, even, to help increase your precious time allowance. I just wanted to say I appreciate it, every ounce of hard work you pour forth into it-- and am honored and privileged to be called your student.

I also respect and appreciate that many, if not most, of you still manage to accomplish all this even while dealing with personal issues, family, crises, sick days, and so on. You willingly sacrifice your sleep and food at times, in the name of handing us valuable information on a golden platter. When the going gets tough, your perseverance is truly commendable.

You have taught me so much, through all the years. Not just my ABC's, penmanship (and cursive!), how to write a good paper, calculate sums (in my brain, no less-- still recall a little section we had to read on mental math from the first grade!), how the heck a computer program works, politics, and history. You nursed a deep desire in me to grow, read, write, and LEARN. To learn about the things I wanted to learn about, yes, but also about the important things. About the deep questions of life (thank you, Humanities professors), which as of now keep popping up randomly in front of me when I least expect it (manga, devotions... you name it.). These things will continue to help me grow as a person and as a Christian. I thank you so much for that.

Another thing... I know, life is hard. Some days we all have days we just want to throw in that towel, wave up that white flag of surrender, and quit. But you know something? I'm going to quote Tedashi of "Big Hero 6," when he says to his brainy, discouraged brother, "I'm NOT giving up on you." God's not going to give up on you, either. Even when one stack of papers becomes an metaphorical mountain. Even when family life collides with your job and makes it difficult to do. Even when you oh-so-patiently tick off the days, maybe years, until you're retired and and just relax. God is ALWAYS there for you, always ready, willing and able to hear you out. So remember... keep fighting the good fight.

And always remember, no matter how many complainers you get in a class, we aren't total ingrates. We know (or SHOULD know, anyways *raises eyebrows at fellow classmates*) that you're people too, and have lives of your own outside the classrooms (and probably savor summer vacay and breaks as much as we do). We love you, appreciate you, and absolutely want you to keep on doing what you do best-- teach. Because we are your humble little sponges; let us soak it all up.

Sincerely, with utmost gratitude and respect, your pupil,

Olivia R. Moore

P.S. (To any of my English teachers and professors out there, I apologize for any run-ons, and the nearly incessant use of the parentheses... but really, can you blame the latter? Too much fun... ;) )