Ever since I was in middle school, I had problems with being confident. Whenever I walked I would look at the ground, avoid eye contact, and wear baggy clothes. One day when I was sitting in my sixth-grade band class, I met someone that would change my life for the better. I never knew what you were doing or how you were helping me. You pushed me harder than anyone else was willing to do because I was the fragile kid in school. Every year I had you as a teacher you pushed me harder, only I never noticed because you were doing it gradually.

Seven years you invested in me and helped make me a better person, to make our program as a whole better. You invested so much into our lives, you taught us to be better people and how to be great. I do not think you always notice how big of an impact you have on your students, but trust me you do.

I can remember the exact day I realized what you had done for me. We were walking down the hallway talking about how well our pep band did playing at the baseball game. I remember you looking over to me with a smile and said how I took charge and I wasn't afraid to be on my own. You told me that I never second guessed the decision I had made and that I knew what I was doing. I was no longer asking you if what I was doing was correct. I felt proud that day because not only did you notice what I was doing, but I realized it for myself.

I remember my letter that you wrote to me at the end of my senior year, the one you read after we played our last song as your seniors. I remember how you told me that you were "waiting since I was in sixth grade for me to find my stride and get some confidence." I remember you writing that it took some time, but I finally found it.

I like to think that a large part of that is because of you. If you would never have given me a chance to step up and be a leader I don't know if I would have as much confidence as I do now. I truly do not think that you give yourself as much credit as you truly deserve. You have taken a band program and made it amazing. You are constantly working to make sure your students are not only good musicians but good people as well.

You gave me a second home in our small, but comfy little band room. Often times I catch myself thinking about all of the memories I have in that room and how they have changed me. You have so much love and kindness that you show to your students that it is contagious. I only hope that one day I am as good of a teacher that you are.

You have had a huge impact in my life and I look forward to the times that I get to visit you and tell you about all of the things I am doing since I graduated. It always gives me a huge smile when I come visit you and you look surprised to see me, you make us all feel special that way. I hope you realize how big of an impact you have on our lives. You helped me open my eyes to see that I can do anything that I set my mind to and I shouldn't be afraid to do that.