To my 9th grade English teacher,

I'll never forget coming into your class on the first day. Something about your classroom felt safe to me. Little did I know on the first day how much time I would spend in your room. I felt excited to be in your class, I always heard that you were an amazing teacher. The first day felt very hopeful.

As the days went on I absolutely loved your class. I had your class 5th hour during the first semester and always looked forward to it. You taught with so much excitement, we could all see that you love what you do, and that you cared for all of us. You were so helpful in moments I was so lost and so encouraging when I understood something the first time. Second semester I had you 7th hour, the final hour of the day, and spent a lot of time in your room after class.

Thank you for being the first person to believe in me. You saw things in me that I was too insecure to see and then you shared them with me. You spoke truth over me and helped me see who I really am. I saw an insecure and unworthy girl who didn't really like herself. You saw the opposite and told me that. You were always there to help me with school work or on stuff happening outside of the classroom. You gave me a safe place and that means so much to me to this day.

I remember the last day of school and being so sad I had to leave you. I was going to a new school without you and that terrified me. You helped me find a new confidence in myself and helped me feel ready for high school. I remember walking into the first day of High School thinking of you and remembering all the truths you spoke over me about who you saw. I wished more than anything I could walk into you room after the first day and tell you all about it. I was excited to visit you again and tell you about how I was thriving in High School.

One regret I have from high school is not visiting you more. I remember visiting you my Sophomore year and then I didn't again until the end of my Senior year. I wish I would have taken the opportunity to see you more. I always experienced immense joy when I saw you. I wish I would have been more intentional about coming to see you when I could.

Thank you for still being apart of my life. I love our phone calls more than words could ever express. I love getting to share life with you. Thank you for always listening to me when I talk a million miles an hour and share a million stories from my past couple of weeks, but also for listening to me share the vulnerable parts of my life and the trials I endure. You have been there for me through so much that I couldn't have made through without you. You always make time for me and I always appreciate that.

I couldn't imagine my life without you. You have brought so much joy and safety into my life. You always have helped me feel safe when talking to you and you can also make me laugh from sharing stories about Jr. High. I am so thankful to be sharing a friendship with you and to be growing our friendship.

One thing I never told you was in 9th grade, you were one of the only people in my life who truly believed in me and saw so much more potential in me than I ever thought I had. I would not be here without you. You encouraged me in so many ways and you were one of the few people that told me how amazing I was. You helped me find my purpose and continue taking my life one day at a time.

Thank you for being the best role model I could have ever asked for. You have inspired me in more ways than I could ever express. I don't know what I would ever do without you. You are an amazing friend and an amazing and beautiful woman.