I did not have the easiest time with school growing up. Having a learning disability, I had to take schooling at a much slower pace. Because of this, there were teachers who treated me differently than all of the other kids, which I despised. Due to my difference, I felt that I was not treated equally, and I could not be equal to them, and I now know that is not the case. All of that aside, this article is not about them, it is about the teachers who took the time to show the care they had for me. I felt I have not given the gratitude to them that I should have.

I feel most regretful for not giving enough thanks to my 4th-grade teacher. My disability made everyday tasks difficult in the classroom, for both of us sometimes. Writing a simple paragraph would take me up to 30 minutes or more. Instead of ignoring my problems and letting this slide, she kept encouraging me to concentrate. Sadly, I never noticed the effort she was giving. I felt annoyed, I wanted to be left alone, and my stubbornness distracted me from what she was trying to do. She went above and beyond, spending more time with my mother and father, creating plans to help me succeed, even going to the point of recommending that I attend another elementary school so I could truly succeed. It was a risky decision on her part but she did it because she truly cared. If you ever read this, thank you. Thank you for the effort and patience you showed me, the letters of encouragement and books you would send me after I had left the school. I have come so far, and you are one of the main reasons for my success.

It is important for me to say how grateful I am for choosing the High School that I attended. They saw how much potential I had, even with the added weight of a learning difference, they held me to a high standard. If I arrived unprepared, or didn't appear interested, they would not let it slide, because they didn't look at my disability, they saw how many abilities I had. For instance, I´m grateful that my intervention specialist would tell me to stop talking and concentrate while I took my algebra exam! She would have to do this every ten seconds, because I would start talking, every. ten. seconds. Little things like this showed me that they cared. The same applies to my drama directors, cross country coaches, and the chorus teacher always expecting me to be on my A game. You taught me that I get in what I put out.

I must thank you all for your general interest in me. A true and honest ¨How are you¨ could totally change my day. Even teachers who I never had an actual class with were so interested in me. You know who you are, and I thank you! All those days being in your offices, talking about musicals, sports, gossip, or whatever it may be, you all taught me so much more than what I can read in a textbook. Now its been one year since I graduated, and I can truly say you were more than teachers, but role models. Know that I will always stop by when I can, and I will try more to express my gratitude for the time you have all taken to help me succeed in life. Your lessons will be engraved in my heart for a lifetime.

Lastly, if you are a senior reading this, I have a challenge for you. Write a letter to at least one teacher and thank them for everything they have done. May it be your preschool teacher or the one you have right now for AP Lit. We do not see the behind the scenes of what they are doing to help us succeed. You were not able to get where you are now alone, so many passionate minds were behind you, knowing there was something in you that shined. The best quote that relates to this is from Brad Paisley´s "Letter to me."

¨And you should really thank Mrs. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishin' you 'til you shine¨

To my favorite teachers throughout the years, from preschool to high school, know that your efforts did not go unnoticed. You are all the real super heroes in my book. When I was in 4th and 5th grade, I was in a deep state of depression because of my disability, without you all, I wouldn't be the self-confident person you helped me to become. You helped me succeed, and soon it will be my turn to pass on the torch!

Thanks for everything.

Your Student,

Brandon Saraniti