As I prepare to graduate with my associate's degree in two weeks, I am looking back on the things and people who have impacted me over my college and high school careers. Over the last six years, I have had so many experiences with teachers having an immense amount of faith in me and my abilities, even when I didn't have much to offer or I was at very low points.

There was my all time favorite high school teacher, who was my freshman biology teacher as well as my drama club director, who even to this day keeps in touch with me and cheers me on from his classroom at my high school. There was my instructor from my intro to human services class from my very first semester of college, who encouraged me to work hard and reflected and encouraged the aspects of myself I was most proud of.

And there of course was my adviser for my first two years of school, who was also my teacher for three classes, and who has always encouraged me. The same teacher who has always been concerned with my mental health and well being, who also looked me in the eyes and told me she saw potential in me when I was at my lowest point.

Teachers, instructors, and professors all make a huge difference in students lives, whether they see it and realize it or not.

So to the teachers who made a huge impact on me over the last six years:

Thank you.

Thank you for not giving up on me when I had given up on myself.

Thank you for encouraging my growth and my healing.

Thank you for supporting me as I strive to have the career of my dreams.

Thank you for helping me by planting the seeds of self confidence I so desperately needed.

Thank you for helping me in such an important way.

Sincerely,

The student who will never forget you.