One of the many issues that stood out to me while reviewing the GOP Convention was Donald Trump Jr.’s insights on public education in the United States.

Here are some exact words he stated:

“The other party gave us public schools that far too often fail our students, especially those who have no options. Growing up, my siblings and I we were truly fortunate to have choices and options that others don't have. We want all Americans to have those same opportunities.”

Trump Jr. never attended a public school himself, yet he feels the need to criticize an entire profession as he goes on by saying:

“Our schools used to be an elevator to the middle class, now they’re stalled on the ground floor.They're like Soviet-era department stores that are run for the benefit of the clerks and not the customers, for the teachers and the administrators and not the students.”

Teachers are not government issued robots working in an institution for their own benefit. Although there are systemic issues in some public schools, they cannot be lumped together and generalized into one category.

I've witnessed firsthand what a teacher has to go through for their students, their “kids.” Not only by attending public school, but growing up with my mom as a public elementary school teacher.

I wholeheartedly believe that being a teacher is one of the most admirable professions. It’s about patience, dedication, and investing their time in their academic growth and personal development as if those kids were their own.

I remember seeing my mom spend countless hours creating lesson plans, grading papers, and organizing activities for her students after hours. The time teachers spend in a classroom is only a fraction of the time they spend overall just because they want to better their students.

Teachers are the individuals that help provide knowledge to students’ futures. Children are the future of our community, our nation, and our world.

I have received much more than just information from an instructor. They didn't just teach me what was in the textbooks, but also gave me guidance and support.

I have very fond memories of multiple teachers that made an impact in my life:

Teachers that sat with me to explain the same thing over and over again because I just didn't get it; teachers that consoled me when I was upset; teachers that inspired me to pursue my own dreams and career goals; teachers that amidst any type of chaos, remained calm and always greeted me with a smile.

These are the teachers that I remember. These are the teachers that deserve much more credit than they already receive.

With all the scrutiny and judgmental remarks that you might receive, I’d like to say thank you to all the teachers that work hard every day to educate our future generations. Also, a praiseworthy thank you to my mom, who set a perfect example of a teacher at home and at school since I was in kindergarten, and has continued to be now that I’m a senior in college.

“Teachers deserve respect and support, not inane insults,” said writer and educator Dani Bostick. “I’m not one to give political advice, but denigrating an entire profession, the very backbone of our society, was a bad move.”