Dear Mrs. Ben,

How's it going? We haven't actually spoken since my graduation. I mean, unless you count that five minute phone conversation because my brother is in one of your classes so I told him to tell you I said hi, and then he called me because you didn't really remember me. But that's besides the point; I just wanted to take the time to tell you about how much your class helped me out.

To be completely honest, I can't even begin to count all the times I've heard people complain about knowing the exact function of mitochondria (by the way, it's the powerhouse of the cell) but still have no idea how to file taxes or balance a checkbook. Clearly I lucked out by having your personal finance class my senior year of high school. I may not be the most frugal of shoppers, but at least I know how to keep track of my spending.

So, I guess that's technically the first thing I should thank you for. I mean, without your class, I'd be broke with absolutely no idea how it even happened. It's almost religious how I fill out my check register after every shopping trip. All the worksheets from your class are actually stashed somewhere in my room should my younger brother ever need them (though I'm fairly certain he's doing just fine without them), and I'll admit I refer back to them every now and again when my brain forgets the proper way to fill out checks.

Another lesson I appreciate is how to fill out the W-4 and I-9 forms. I've had to fill those out probably four times since graduation (one of my jobs is a summer one that requires reapplication every year; I promise I'm not just jumping around from job to job). Anyway, I've looked like a pro each and every time simply because your class fully prepared me for life after high school. Occasionally, I'll double check the practice forms we did in class just to know for sure I'm not putting the wrong thing on the wrong line. But, other than that, I look like a total pro.

Lastly, I want to thank you for the class in general and the knowledge it provided me. Like I said before, I've met quite a few people who didn't have the luxury of a personal finance class in high school. And, recently, the fact that I know how to file taxes and manage both a checking and a savings account, has made me seem smart and impressive to a pretty cool individual. So thanks, Mrs. Ben; you're the real MVP!

Sincerely,

An extremely grateful past student