Everyone sees college as a way to start fresh and finally escape their family or hometown. To branch out into a bigger, broader world of learning than what they’ve already experienced; to further learn about their intended career. Sometimes, because of this, we tend to forget ourselves, and forget our roots and origins. I am ashamed to admit that I am one of these people. But recently, for no reason at all, out of the blue, I began to think about a piece of my early years. Some things had popped into my head. I really owe a lot to these people for leaving a mark on me and helping me grow and mature as much as I could.
My childhood teachers.
From elementary school, to middle school, to even high school, I’ve been lucky enough to learn and develop under the guidance of some of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had. They’ve motivated me to do my best, be it in my academics, my passions, and even when it comes to just being myself. They showed me that I was worth it. They were there for me when others weren’t. Even if I’ve messed up constantly and stumbled my way to the end of the year, they’ve never deserted me or given up on me. I respected them when I was their student, and still respect them now while in college.
To my elementary school music teacher: you fueled me up with care and love. You have been like my biggest supporter even ten years after I graduated. And when I had to take an extra year, you never judged. You welcomed me with no hesitation and were behind me all the way as I underwent medical treatment. Thank you for continuing to be behind me.
To my second grade teacher: I can credit to you to giving me an early start on the Spanish language. The little words and phrases you threw out here and there in Spanish gave me a boost on taking the language later on and helped me become interested in the subject. Beyond that, you gave me a bit of learning outside the classroom. That was one of the years when I learned a bit more about life and personal relations. I had to start a bit of growing up, but you were there for me to steer me through and guide my way. And you were patient with me. Thank you for helping me grow up a little bit early.
To my fifth grade teacher: Thank you for keeping me in your classroom, not once, but twice. Taking that extra year gave me a lot of despair and a bit of loneliness at the start. You helped welcomed me into your new class, formally introducing me to all the students. You helped cheer me up when all I really wanted to do was just go and run to the middle school to join all my friends. It was tough, but you made me feel accepted and took me being held back as a positive.
To my middle school music teacher: You continued on the trend of making music education and school choir fun. It wasn’t as pleasant getting up an hour earlier than I had to, to go to chorus, but it was all worthwhile. Singing songs, getting to improve our vocal qualities, it was a fun part of my day. Chorus had been a part to help me look forward to something when I was in my gloomy time. It was somewhere where I had the chance to let go of my anxieties and fears and just be happy singing and learning about music. Thank you for giving me that.
To my sophomore year English teacher: I apologize for not showing my appreciation enough. I picked you to write me my college recommendation letter for a reason. You were always there when I needed someone who I could trust. You encouraged me and kept pushing me. You helped me find strength within myself to keep going no matter how many obstacles life throws at me. You introduced me to some of the best literary characters who have made an impact on me and became a few of my favorites. You motivated me as a reader and a writer. When I first entered college, I had no idea I was eventually going to turn into an English major. Thank you for instilling in me the skills and lessons to help me prosper as one.
To my high school choir teacher: Your classroom was one of the most fun places to be in high school for me. With each choral group I’ve been in of yours, I knew by the end of every year, we made you feel like a proud mom. You made us laugh until we were almost slipping out of our seats. You made us smile and really enjoy singing. Your teachings were so valuable and enriching that when I got into college, it was hard for me to try and be in a choral group under anyone else. I truly miss singing under your guidance. Thank you for impacting my life like that.
To all of these teachers and so many of my others, thank you so much. I know I’ve done wrong on more than one occasion. I know I wasn’t the star student. I know I probably wasn’t the favorite for most of you. But you never gave up on me. You never pushed me away or made me feel like I was a letdown. I really, truly, could not have made it through without you. I hope that when I graduated high school, I’ve made you all proud. I hope that while I’m still in college and learning how to handle seven-page papers and steering as far away from peer pressure and late night parties as possible, you’re still proud of me. You’re always a part of my heart, and even if I may forget some parts of my life pre-college, I won’t ever forget you. Thank you.
