In high school, I was extremely involved. Actually, most people would tell you that I was too involved. Going in on weekends, early in the morning, and almost always staying late. Of course, the things I accomplished would not be possible without the teachers that volunteered their time to be with me.

I have a lot of things to thank my teachers for. In fact, I don't think I have enough words to express how thankful I am for them. Most of them I still talk to; Facebook, Snapchat, and iMessage are wonderful things. Even though I'm 200 miles from home, I know that they will always support me.

I wish I was able to give back to them as much as they gave to me. They gave me wisdom, bravery, confidence, and love. It felt so good to know that they taught me because they loved me, not because they were forced to be there.

I want to thank the secretary for constantly telling me she loved me; and for always finding jobs for me to do when I was bored senior year.

I want to thank my FBLA adviser for always telling me how highly she thought of me and how much she believed me, I would not have made it without you.

I want to thank my English teachers for helping me find my passion in English, and eventually my major in college.

I want to thank my math teachers for working with me... Thanks for being so patient, sorry I asked so many questions.

I want to thank my science teachers for teaching me that science can be interesting and to step out of my comfort zone.

I want to thank my principal for making me feel like I was always part of the school, and like I belonged there. I will never forget at graduation where I went to shake his hand, and he said, "No, I get a hug." That meant the world to me.

I want to thank my choir director for showing me my other passion in music and helping me become confident as a musician. She was also always my shoulder to cry on.

I want to thank my Student Council advisers for pushing me to my limits and seeing what I was capable of. They helped me understand that I was worth more than I thought I was.

They helped me become a strong, capable, confident woman. I wish I could put into words how thankful I am for each and everyone of them. So thank you, teachers of Lathrop High School, I don't know how I could ever repay you. I love and respect each and every one of you more than you will ever know.