To my Favorite Teacher,

In all honesty, I did not like you when we first met. You were tough and strict, a real scientist. Your style made we wonder why you became a teacher when it was obvious you could be on a much higher pay scale outside of Mandeville High School. I was intimidated and seriously considered dropping your class. I am so grateful I decided to stay.

I’m grateful because you taught me to strive for perfection, even when I did not believe in myself, or more often, didn’t feel like putting in the extra work. You set expectations and did not waiver. Your vocabulary, although impressive, was exhausting, but your persistence encouraged me to kick it up a notch. The lessons learned from you also exceeded the classroom. I’ve watched you and I have learned. On the days the class was behaviorally challenged, you were patient, but stuck to your boundaries. You refused to accept less.

I remember the third week of school when you stopped class in the middle of us trying to find “substance x.” You sat on your desk and wanted to know why we were doing as we were told. That is when I realized you were not normal, but I was so intrigued. I will never forget that you taught us to question authority, question directions, question anything and everything we ever knew because that is the design of science. Because of you, I am confident and comfortable saying “I don’t know.” Thank you. It has served me well in more ways than you will ever know.

Your passion for science was and is infectious. When you literary jumped up and down with excitement with the similarities on monkey and human DNA, I wondered if one day I will be lucky enough to love what I do as much as you. I never considered being interested in DNA, Darwin, evolution, or whatever else may have been on the menu, but your enthusiasm made me interested, thank you.

This has been an exceptionally difficult year for me. Thank you so much patience. I appreciate the extra time you spent helping me stay on track. Thank you for having high expectations. Thank you for being my brilliant, genuine, understanding teacher. Have a wonderful summer.