Dear Teacher,
First of all, thank you. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for noticing little things I did. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for being a friend. Although there were days when I couldn't stand you, most days I was excited to walk into your classroom. I knew it was a place where I was valued and believed in. There were plenty of days when I needed that more than I could ever explain to you.
Thank you for seeing my potential even before I did and you made sure to tell me how great I was doing. Because you took the time to do this, you strengthened my confidence and helped lead me to where I am now: A confident college student who has found it possible to take on three majors and large roles on campus. I knew I could thrive and your classroom helped me stay in check.
I grew because of you. I learned my leadership abilities, how to use my voice and to still make jokes, however bad they were. I learned how to write. I discovered what a powerful tool writing could be and how much I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you for life advice even when you didn't know you were giving it, especially not to take life too seriously. Thank you for talking about colleges with me even though we were both extremely busy. For showing me the wonderful world of books and how to actually love the classics.
Thank you for letting me take the lead. Some days leading the class drove me absolutely crazy, it taught me a great deal about others and mostly, myself. I now know I am capable of leading a room full of people looking at me for instructions and as an influence.
Thank you for making me fix the details, even if I thought they were miniscule. They made the finished product near perfect. Thank you for making me think that there is a purpose for everything. It has made me more mindful in things I do (I also envision a dolphin more frequently than most people).
For three years I could count on you almost every day to give me something to talk about at the dinner table or something to at least make me smile. Thank you for seeing my potential and pushing me to reach it. I have benefited from having you as a teacher more than I ever realized.
I am extremely grateful I had the chance to have you in my life.
Love,
A forever grateful student
