To my favorite high school teacher,

When I sat down in your American History class my sophomore year of high school, I had no idea that you would become such an important part of my life. As a troubled 15-year-old who received bad grades and argued with half of my teachers, I wasn't expecting much. I went in with the assumption that our relationship would be similar to mine with past teachers; that you would conclude I was a lazy student not reaching my full potential. But you proved my negative thoughts to be wrong. You recognized that something was wrong, and took it upon yourself to help me. My heart is filled with gratitude for your compassion, empathy, and patience.

Thank you for your infinite positivity, encouragement, and tolerance. If getting me to understand a particular concept meant sitting there for a week straight, then that is what you would do. Not once have you made me feel stupid. Not once have you showed frustration with me. Not once have you given up on me. When I received a C on one of your tests, you were happy for me. Even though it was not an A, you knew that I was improving. No matter how dumb the question (is China in Europe?), you showed support; you never said anything negative.

Thank you for your passion and creativity. How engaged you are with your passion for history and your career is inspiring. It is absolutely amazing to see a person so animated and excited over a subject they love. You make the class entertaining while teaching at the same time. You are the reason I found a love for history; you are so good at your job that you can make a hated subject loved. I can truly say that I was never bored in your class; I actually looked forward to it.

Thank you for the turn-around award. I still have that hanging up in my room. Receiving that meant the world to me. I went from being a C/D student, to being a straight A student...I can never repay you for helping me accomplish that change.

Thank you for all of the computer problems. Yes, you read that right. I'm sorry, but it put a smile on my face at times. I do not giggle at your misfortunes with technology, rather your reactions tend to be what is funny. I promise I say this with nothing but love.

Thank you for understanding my ADHD. It is really nice to have someone who does not make me feel bad about myself for how much I talk, how many items I lose, or how often I zone out.

Thank you for always having a shoulder to cry on. Whether it was over something as ridiculous as having too much homework, or something as serious as my dad's cancer diagnosis, you were there.

Thank you for all of your advice. I have no idea where I would be today if it weren't for it. You taught me how to deal with all of the family problems I had going on, and much more. I could, and still can, confide in you with what is going on in my personal life without judgment.

Thank you for not judging me. Even if you aren't the biggest fan of tattoos, you didn't put me down for deciding to get one; you had nothing but positive things to say about mine.

Thank you for being my mom at school. Literally. If I needed a bandaid, I went to your room. If I was hungry, I asked you for food. If I was upset, I went to your room. If I needed a hug, I went to you. If something exciting happened, I came and told you. I was in your room so often that many of your students recognized me. Basically, the entire history staff knew me because I was always there. Your room felt like a second home to me.

Thank you for sticking up for me. You have always taken my side and have gone out of your way to defend me.

Thank you for hanging out with me after school, during your prep hour, or at lunch. Whether I needed to vent, was bored, or just felt like hanging out, you always let me in. Even now, when I come up to visit, I feel as if not much has changed.

Thank you for the laughs and gossip sessions. I won't say more, but I am glad we still have these.

Thank you for the tough love. You were/are always here for me, but you will tell me when I am wrong. I hate being wrong, but I always appreciate the honesty.

Thank you for putting up with my senioritis. You always tried your best to keep me at school, you really did, but you knew that sometimes, there was no stopping me from leaving. With 140 absences, 30 late-excused, and Lord knows how many tardies I had that year, I was gone more than I was there. When I did show up, I came with sweatshirt on, my hair half brushed, and extremely cranky. Yet, you always accepted me, and even congratulated me if I made it through the entire day! (Remember that one time I came a whole two weeks in a row? That was trophy-worthy).

Thank you for either giving or making us food during exams. The Hot Tamales during finals really helped me focus, and I enjoyed the popcorn you made for when I had to make up a test I had missed.

Thank you for suffering through APUSH with me. You and I both know that until a person takes (or teaches) that class, they do not understand the endless tears that go into it. With good reason, we complained an awful lot about that class, but I am glad we both could understand what the other person was going through. I am still on for that Hunt v. Mui case, by the way.

Lastly, thank you for being a best friend.

I do miss hanging out in your room all the time, but I am so grateful that we keep in touch. I can't imagine where I would be if you hadn't come into my life. You will always be one of my favorite people, and of course, my absolute favorite teacher.

Sincerely,

Your former student.