To every teacher I was blessed to have,

Without each and every one of you I don't think I would be attending the university I am now. You have all impacted me in individual ways, pushing me to be better and to expect more from myself.

My second-grade teacher had a reading sanctuary in the back of her classroom with shelves of books and comfy beanbags. You inspired me to read for pleasure and not just for the quizzes I had to take. I still read because I enjoy it, although I don't always have time with all of my classes and school work.

My fourth grade teacher and her fellow teachers created a writing camp for all students, complete with paper trees, bushes, and even tents. You created a creative space for us to write for our state tests approaching later that year. As a student learning how to write essays, it was so amazing to have teachers that cared so much for us that they took time to create a mini indoor campsite.

My eighth-grade yearbook teacher told me to take pre-AP and AP classes in high school because she knew I was smart enough to excel in them. I had never thought about taking advanced placement classes before then. Without your suggestions, I don't know what I would've done in high school.

All of my high school English teachers really prepared me for my college English classes. I find myself re-reading poems and short stories that they used in their lessons for my college lectures and I feel like I'm even more prepared. They inspired me to want to be an English major and teach high school. Each year, I could see how much they love to teach on their faces and by the way they taught their lessons. One particular teacher I want to recognize is my AP IV English teacher. She didn't just teach me the curriculum, she helped me with my college essays and gave me advice for college. When I expressed how I felt about certain college situations, she gave me advice on how I could handle it. Talking to her about college made me feel more comfortable about my new journey.

Every other teacher I had in high school, although I may not have enjoyed your classes as much as I did my English classes, I enjoyed you. You all made learning easy even though the subject might have been tough. From physics to economics and everything in-between I felt like you really wanted to be my teacher.

My parents are the teachers I've had since I was born. They taught me all they know during my time at home, and during the months before I left for college, they continued to give me last minute lessons. They are the teachers that I will have forever. They are always there to push me harder, making me see what I can accomplish.

You all have made me want to be half the teachers you are and inspire someone like you all have inspired me.

With much appreciation,

Your former student