I know I've told you before, but it bears repeating: I honestly don't know where I'd be without you in my life. Four years ago, I walked into your classroom ashamed of who I was, and seeing you this weekend made me realize how far I've come since then. You were the catalyst for that change in my life, and it's quite an immense one. You went out of your way to prove to me that not only was there nothing wrong with who I am, but in fact I'm special for the things that make me different. The things that I once feared about myself are now the things I take much pride in, because you showed me who I really am. I love myself now, because you showed me what it means to love yourself.
Not only did you take the time to make me and your other students know their worth, you also made sure we were exposed to different perspectives. No matter what we had going on, you always made sure we had time for class discussions about our lives, what was going on in the world, and what music means to us. The countless hours we spent just talking as a class truly opened my mind and broaden my world view. What a priceless gift it is to be able to empathize with different peoples, and know about my responsibility to put aside my privilege and help the less fortunate. That is a gift you gave me, and I can't thank you enough.
You always said that teaching music was second to teaching your students simply how to be good people, and you've certainly succeeded in that endeavor. By the time you left my high school senior year, I already had all the tools you gave me to make my last year of high school a success. Thankfully, I was able to keep you in my life as a mentor, because to this day you still keep me in line and answer questions about my life I can't fathom comprehending myself. I know that I can go to you for anything in my life, good or bad, big or small, and I'll come out of our conversation assured in ways I never imagined prior.
Perhaps most importantly, you've given me a future. I now have direction for my life and thanks to your encouragement, I've decided to study music education. If I can become even a fraction of the teacher you are and make just an ounce of the impact you've made, my life will be worth it. I now have a future I'm thrilled about, instead of not wanting one at all. You're the purest example of a role model, and one that I relish in bragging about. I take pride in saying I want to be like you, because I can't think of anyone better to imitate.
Thank you again for everything. I'll see you soon.
