To the teachers who gave me a chance,
Without all of your hard work and dedication to my success, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
To my first grade teacher: Thank you for teaching me right from wrong and how to be a better listener. Even when I felt you were being tough on me, or I thought it wasn't fair that you called on me when I either didn't have my hand up or I wasn't paying attention, I always knew you had good intentions. I still remember the "Extraordinary" song that you taught our class and when we had spaghetti day. You are one of the teachers that mean so much to me and I know I can go to you if I was ever having a problem. I also remember you being the first person I wanted to give my birthday treat to, and that continued until fourth grade when you moved schools. I know I wasn't the "perfect" or "exceptional" student, but you still gave me a chance and helped me to believe in myself.
To my English teacher and volleyball coach sophomore year: Thank you for teaching me how to work hard and to appreciate what I have. In the classroom, I was the farthest thing from the perfect student. I turned assignments and papers in late, I didn't have the greatest attitude, I couldn't sit still, and you were probably tired of seeing me since I had you for class and volleyball at the same time. On the flip side, I knew I could always come to you if I had questions or if I just needed someone to vent to. You are one of the reasons why I aspire to be a teacher. You are my role model, my mentor, and a friend. In volleyball, you took a chance on me by choosing me to be on your team. While I admit I wasn't always focused during practice (sorry for shooting hoops with the volleyball), deep down, I wanted to make you proud of me. I still talk to you to this day and I ask for advice, we talk about college, and we talk about your kids.
Lastly, to my English teacher senior year: Thank you for guiding me and helping me understand what it takes to succeed in college English classes. You knew I have ADHD and you made sure I stayed on task. While there were times that I wasn't focused or didn't have a very good attitude about some things, you were always there to get me back on track or pulled me aside to see if something was wrong or bothering me. You cared about me when I thought no one else did and you showed me true compassion, which I hope I can carry on to my future students so that they know they can always open up to me and share anything that may be bothering them. You helped me to become a better writer and offered to help me with my papers. You gave me a chance when I felt what I was doing wasn't good enough.
Thank you for making me the woman I am today!
-- Your grateful student
