Hi teacher,

I don't know if you remember me, I was in your class six years ago, but you changed my life for the better. The funny thing is, you tried to do the opposite. I was a wide-eyed high school freshman who thought I could do anything I put my mind to. You told me otherwise. I was a student who loved history and honestly just wanted to learn all I could. I was so excited to be in my first honors class and to really be opening my eyes to all I could do. But you didn't think so.

You barely listened to me talk, you ignored all my questions, you seemed like you wanted nothing with me. A student. The person you were suppose to be encouraging.

There was one thing you told my mom and me. You told me and I quote, "people like you shouldn't be in honor classes." You meant dyslexic. You meant people who may think a little different and may struggle sometimes. You basically told me I was dumb and would never be able to do what I love. At least that is how I take it.

I almost gave up with my passion. I almost said you were right and dropped out of honor classes and just accepted that I will never be able to do the things I love. But then I realized something.

There was a moment. A moment in my life where I had a choice. To stay stagnant, accept the cards handed to me, and take the words you told me as the truth. Or take your words and prove them wrong.

I chose the latter. And, if I say so myself, I showed you wrong.

I continued taking honor classes. I decided to keep with my passion of history and helping others. I wanted to make sure one less teacher like you controlled a classroom. So I'm going to be a history teacher.

Not only am I doing all that, but I also am a student leader now. I am someone who gets involved in everything and, if something fails or I am told I may not succeed, I keep going. Mostly because I remember the lesson you taught me.

So, thank you. Thank you for trying to tear me down and for trying to get me to give up. You ended up doing the opposite. I am now stronger and better than you ever thought possible.

So thank you. Thank you for giving me a killer topic for a college entrance essay. Thank you for having a story for my education class on what not to tell a student. Thank you for making me realize I will face people who are ignorant and try to tell me what I can and cannot do. Thank you for making me realize I can do anything I set my mind to.

Six years ago and I still can look back at that moment and smile and say, "look how far I have come".

Sincerely,

The girl you tried to tell she couldn't succeed