When I was younger, I was always a bundle of anxiety and self-consciousness.

I never thought I was good enough. Not in sports, not in popularity, and not in schoolwork.

You all changed that.

Each class I had you in or each time I interacted with you, your kindness influenced me.

When I asked a question in class, no matter how “silly” or “obvious”, you took the time to help me.

Some of you dealt with me crying in the middle of the lesson because I didn’t understand the concept we were learning. How annoying it must have been! Yet, you calmly tried to explain it in a new way, and assured me that I would catch on.

When you saw the stress in my eyes, you all found a way to make me laugh about it.

Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you all for listening to my worries and life “problems” without turning me away or making me feel insignificant.

The small acts of kindness that you all showed to me each day are part of the reason I am who I am today. You’re part of the reason I am now confident about both school and life.

You went beyond the lesson plans, beyond the textbooks and requirements, and came to work each day to impact your students. Teachers like you are a unshakable force in society that is sadly so rare.

No matter how many rules and regulations are made, or how much you struggle adapting to new system of education being forced on teachers, know this: Your job is so much bigger than math, science, history or English. Your job is to impact and invest in future generations and you are amazing at it! Thank you for all of your hard work and genuine care for me and my fellow students. It has not gone unnoticed.