To my most inspirational teacher:

The first day of school is always nerve-racking, I had no idea what to expect. Were you going to be easygoing? Tough? Funny? Uptight?

As a group of scared seventh grade students walked through the middle school halls you were standing there ready to welcome your new students. Your friendly personality slowly eased the fears of 30 twelve and thirteen year olds. As the first day went by we all started to feel at home and feel excited for the school year. Gradually we all started to open up and enjoy ourselves.

You challenged us to be the best students we could be. You pushed us far out of our comfort zones. You introduced us to geology. You never went easy on us. You pushed all of us to succeed. You didn't sugar-coat anything, which made us more open with you.

You showed me not to be ashamed of who I am. You showed me that I have a voice and should stand up for myself. You encouraged me to try new things, especially things that may have been awkward or uncomfortable. You showed me that being honest with myself is important. You showed me that being myself was the best thing I could be.

You taught me to take a stand in what I believe. You taught me to trust and be brave. You taught me to stop holding back feelings. You taught me how to be different and be my own person.

You showed me that my past does not define me. You showed me that I am in control of my life and if I want something to change, I have the power to make that change. When I didn't believe in myself, you did. When I needed advice or someone to talk to, you were there. When something was going on in my life, it was you I trusted. You taught me to stick up for myself and what I believe in. You taught me to speak my mind and never hold back. You took my weaknesses and helped me make them reasons I was strong.

You brought me out of my shell. You made me a more confident person. You forced me to be uncomfortable. You encouraged me to talk about my feelings. You pushed me to my limits because you knew I wouldn't do it without a push. You made me strong. You made me come to terms with my hardships. And you taught me how to overcome those hardships.

Even after I graduated middle school, you stayed in touch. You cared about me and genuinely wanted to know how I was doing in high school. You took time out of your busy schedule to have lunch and catch up. You even came to my orchestra performance and high school graduation.

Thank you for never giving up on me, for making middle school better, for teaching me valuable life lessons, and for being my biggest supporter in my dreams (besides my mom). You taught me to never back down. You were the push I needed to believe in myself. I owe my growth as a person to you.

So, thank you for always being there for me and believing in me. Even at my worst you brought out my best. Thank you for believing in me and helping me.