Dear Mrs. Cooley,

I was 16 when we met and you were 22. Now, we stand alone sharing a friendship of 21 and a soon to be 28 year old.

You have been my immediate boss every summer for six years, meaning we have spent a lot of time getting to know each other throughout that time. I have witnessed you grow from a fresh out of college student, to a masters degree holding sixth grade social studies teacher.

My first day working with you, I knew. I knew you were an immaculate person. It didn't take long for us to bond over so many different aspects of our lives. You are always giving and never receiving. You don't look for validation from anyone else and teach others to be that way as well.

I have always seen you as a mentor and as if you were an older sister to me for as long as I can remember. Your presence lights up every room you walk in. You are the type of human who gives so much of yourself to others. There's a light that shines out of you everywhere you go. You constantly go above and beyond for everyone you know. As a teacher, I see how much you change your students lives even though I've never stepped foot in your classroom.

You are the type of person who was born to teach, and to lead. You pride yourself on loving animals and being a vegan to the point of showing how much you stick to something you believe in. If someone disagrees with what you believe in, you respect it. But you don't change your mind on what you believe in.

In a world continually telling us to change and to be something we aren't, you refuse to let anyone or anything change you.

Throughout our time knowing each other, you have taught me more than I ever expected. You are one of the nicest, hardest working and most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Teaching was meant for you because it comes so easy to you. You're a natural born leader.

When challenge comes your way, you don't back down. Instead, you tackle it, head on.

As a marathon finisher, married woman and prized athlete, you have so many people looking up to you. So many of your students adore you. You have found your passion which is something most of us will never ever dream of doing.

I look up to you so much. Even though 7 years separates us, you will always be one of my greatest friends. I am beyond fortunate to have found someone like you to look up too.

You teach me everyday. Your students are so lucky to have you, and as sixth graders, they might not know it yet. You'll continually change lives for as long as you teach.

Keep teaching, Cait. You were meant to change this world and as humble as you are, I know you won't believe it. But you change my world everyday we work together.

Xoxo!!!!