My favorite teacher in high school was my sophomore year English teacher and my creative writing teacher.
She inspired me to pursue a writing degree, to pursue writing in general. I never believed in myself until I took her creative writing class sophomore year, when I was urged to submit a story to my school's literary magazine. When it was accepted, it hit me that people really enjoy my writing. It was a wonderful feeling seeing that my words could leave a lasting impact on someone.
She instilled in me the persistence a writer needs to succeed. Just because one door closes, there's always going to be another one that opens. You can't accept no as the answer. There is always someone out there who will say yes. I carry this advice with me to this day and apply it to more than just my writing. Now, I remain persistent, even when it becomes difficult.
Writing so much reminded me why I love words so much in the first place. Words have so much power, and we don't even realize it. Words can leave amazing impacts on people, whether good or bad. I can only hope, someday, the words I write will touch someone and help someone in the way others' words have helped me.
My only wish is that students, past and present, can say they've had a teacher they look up to and take lessons from weeks, months, even years into the future. When you have the right teacher, they teach you more than just a subject. They can be a mentor, the friend you thought you'd never have. Teachers are some of the most inspirational people I have ever met, and to all my peers who are studying to become teachers, I salute you. You don't even realize, yet, the impact you could have on a future student someday. You don't even realize the power and influence you have yet.
So, to my English teacher, I say thank you. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction and giving me a place to go in life. Thank you for reminding me why I love to read and why I should keep reading. Thank you for believing in my words and believing that my words could change someone and help someone. Thank you for believing that my voice matters.
