We all have a teacher who we think back on because of their influence. They were always the one going the extra mile to help you with whatever, even if that meant staying late after school ended or coming in earlier than you normally would. You were so much more than just a teacher to me. You were a mentor and a friend.

So, thank you to my favorite teacher:

Thank you for welcoming me into your class that first day and not making high school more intimidating than it already seemed to a new freshman. You took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and if not, you were right there. As I got into your more advanced classes, I started realizing what a wonderful teacher you were.

I remember the second year I was in your class and you told me how happy you were to see that I decided to continue doing media. That was one of the many times we shared that I won't forget.

Whenever any of your students needed you for something, you were never too busy. Even though you had three levels of this class, you were prepping for each and every day. You always made sure I was good to go with what I was working on.

With every new skill or technique you taught, I was always there trying to soak it all in. I knew that if I kept at it, I could perfect what you were trying to teach us. It gave me the motivation to be the best I could be and to learn all I could from you. Your class was my favorite. Your class was where I learned that I loved filming and editing.

I spent so much time in your classroom, it's not even funny. There were days when I was there for so long that you would have to make sure I was out of the editing bay before you went home for the day or I might not have left. If we're being honest here, I probably spent more time in your classroom than I did at home.

You always pushed me to be my best. You knew that I could always improve my work. When I would do something really well, you would let me know how proud you were of me, but you would also tell me how I could improve. I always knew that I could do better because of you. I never felt you were putting me down when you were giving me feedback, it's called constructive criticism for a reason. We all need it so we know what we can improve on and learn how to get as close to perfect as we can.

Before I had you as a teacher, I had no idea what I wanted to do in college and life afterward. Because of you, I found something I'm really good at and that I love doing. I don't know if I would have found this passion without you and your class. I loved making videos and I loved sports. Combine the two and you had what I did my whole senior year in your class. Even with our class being made up of mostly guys, you still told me to go cover sports.

You believed in me. You made sure I knew that I could do whatever I set my mind to. When none of the guys wanted to go film the football game you told me to go film and make a piece over it and to do it better than anyone else could. My favorite thing you taught me isn't about a special technique you use when filming or a shortcut while editing. No, my favorite piece of advice you gave me was to do what I'm passionate about. Even if I don't make up the majority of the people doing that thing, I should work at it that much harder.

Thank you for always being there for me. I honestly would not be the same person I am today without having you as a teacher. You deserve all the recognition for everything you do. I hope I'm making you proud with everything I'm doing since I had the pleasure of taking your class. I love that you are still doing your best to keep up with what I'm doing since graduating. It means more than you could imagine.

Sincerely,

A student who is more thankful for you than words can describe.