To my teacher,

I have no idea if you will ever see this, however, I know its worth a shot, because, if you ever do see this, you will know it is you.

I did not meet you until my senior year of high school when you taught my poetry class. I remember you always trying to get everyone involved and for students to work their hardest, not for any reason except for their own. You didn't want us to do the assignment because we had to, you wanted us to do it because we wanted to. You always came into class happy, and hoping we all were too. It was in your class that I found my voice.

You see, I always had a passion for writing, which is why I elected to take your class in the first place. However, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I never really gave poetry a fair shot prior to your class. I just went out on a limb. I was not the best writer, and I know that, but there was something about your class that made me want to be the best that I could be. Whether it was your encouraging words or what you were teaching, you never made it feel like a class; you made it feel like a friendship, one where we were all equals.

I am writing because I wanted to tell you that I finally found my voice. Remember on the last day of classes, you went around the room telling everyone something good about them? You told me to never stop writing. Well, I haven't, and so far I think I'm doing really well with my results. I found it only fair to dedicate one of my pieces to you, since you gave a different type of support. You never had to stand by my side with my writing, you never had to believe in me as a person, but you did.

Your class was one of the first to allow me to write about anything. The topics were broad, so I was allowed to write about anything I wanted; it was the place that helped me find my voice. Going into college, I tried to write more, tried to keep in touch with my passion, but I just couldn't get myself to write about anything that flowed. Nothing I wrote made sense, or even lasted more than a couple of lines...however, I'm happy to say it's back, all because I get to write for the Odyssey. Again, I get to write about anything I want, with no restrictions besides a deadline. And I feel that I have you to thank for that.

You had a different type of faith in me. You didn't have to stay in touch, for you will have many students after me that will crowd your classroom, many more whose writing you will believe in. However, you offered those same words of encouragement that I receive from my family, the same that I was once so quick to brush off. I guess it was just different when it came from someone that didn't have a tie to me. When I look back and plan on visiting the high school, it's not the halls or the memories that pull me back, it's the chance to be able to talk to you again, to catch up and feel like I'm a student of yours once more. You offered so many wise words, and there is so much more that people can learn from you besides what we do in one short semester.

Thank you.