It's been almost three years since I sat in your classroom for seventh period Human Anatomy and Physiology. Now (with a few bumps and major changes later) I'm a sophomore in college on a pre-health track studying biochemistry, and I couldn't be happier with where I am and what I'm studying. A huge part of that is all thanks to you.

I've always had a love for science, medicine and the human body, so when high school junior year rolled around and all the science electives were open for me to take, I jumped at the chance to take your anatomy class. It was so evident how much you loved the subject you taught -- something that isn't always found in teachers. More than that, you loved your students, too.

You encouraged me to pursue science more than any other teacher I've ever had. Time and time again, I had people discourage my desires to study science; more than once, my teachers would tell me to just pursue teaching science instead of going into the field itself. That always made me doubt my abilities and intelligence; if my teachers were pushing me in a different direction, then that means I wasn't smart enough for my original plan, right?

Hell no. You encouraged my curiosity and pushed me toward the things that fascinated me. You introduced me to some of the coolest fields of science -- biomechanics and stem cell research. You listened to me when I was unsure of pursuing biomedical engineering while applying to colleges. I was so worried that I wasn't smart enough for it, but you never let me think like that, and reassured me that my passion and intelligence was more than I would ever need for these fields.

So, thank you so much for everything: for the encouragement, for the confidence in my intelligence, for asking if everything was OK on days I was too quiet in class. Thank you for caring so much. I'm not sure where I would be, or what I would be studying, if it wasn't for you. Even though I ended up changing majors when I got to college, I had the confidence to do so and know that I'm capable -- thanks to you -- and I'm not sure I'll ever have the right words to convey how much it means to me that you were there.

Much love and thank you,
Nichole.