Dear lovely readers,
I honestly don't know where to start with this letter. I’ve had many many teachers throughout my schooling, some I’ve liked more than others, but all have been helpful in advancing me to where I am today. As the final week of school for the 2016-17 year approaches, I can only say thank you to those who have accompanied me on this journey.
I can also say that I have never been, in the history of my schooling, so simultaneously upset and happy to be leaving some of the best teachers I've ever had, or rather, to see them leave of their own accord. The only time where the feeling came close was when I had to leave my 8th-grade social studies teacher, whom I had become very close to.
Two of my favorite teachers as a freshman are my Chorus teacher and my Algebra teacher, both in similar but still supremely different situations. One is pregnant and leaving to become a stay-at-home mom, which I very much commend her for, I know it was a difficult decision to make. I’m happy for her because this is her dream, but I'm sad because we’ve become fairly close over the course of this school year. On the other hand, I have my Algebra teacher, who is also pregnant, but she’ll be back next year. I’m really very excited for her on this amazing new journey into motherhood, but I'm sad that I have to leave her. We’ve become very close this year, and she’s very similar in personality to me. We like the same music and we have the same sense of humor and it’ll be interesting to see how Sophomore year is without her as my teacher. Luckily she will be coming back to school next year, even if it’s not until November.
Now these are two very unique situations, but in general, I believe teachers aren't thanked enough for what they do. They aren't recognized, except one week of the year where people attempt to make up for the fact that they never thanked their teachers during their schooling by recognizing all the hard work they do.
For the teachers in my past, thank you. Thank you for bringing me up, for getting me to where I am. I wouldn't be the person I am without every single one of you, from kindergarten to 8th grade.
For the teachers currently teaching me, you’ll never know how thankful I am for you. You’ve treated me exactly the way a student should be treated, and you’ve never given up on helping me succeed.
For those teachers in my future, I can't wait. I can't wait to see what I can learn and who I can meet and what I can do with my future because of you.
Each August, I go back to school. My main goal each year is to do right by my teachers and to do right by my parents. I’ve been successful in this goal some years more than others, but every year I try. I’m dedicated and I try. Every year I come out a different person than I was when I went in, and it’s all because of the teachers and the people that i’ve been fortunate enough to meet and become close to. No amount of times I say thank you to all the teachers I’ve had and will have will ever be able to express my gratitude for them.
Even if you aren't one of the teachers who taught me, if you are in the field of education, know you are appreciated. You shape the innovator of the future. All teachers do.
~Caitlin
