When I walk in the classroom, I am not nervous for the amount of information I know will be thrown at me, but excited for the knowledge that I can possibly glean from the discussion that day. When I go home, I don't need to give myself an incentive to do this homework, the feeling of accomplishment is reward enough. When I study for my tests in this class, although my grade is important, I never feel the anxiety that comes with my other tests. How does this class exist?

The answer isn't found in me. I make an effort each year to begin my classes with an open mind, to let the class speak for itself. But it isn't the class speaking, it's the teacher. A teacher who has devoted their life to the subject at hand, and not only that, but devoted themselves to helping us understand just a little of what they do, to make us smarter people, to offer us a wealth of knowledge. What they do is so impressive in every way, and not a single student deserves the kindness and love they show us each day.

I have been extremely lucky in the teachers I have gotten, because they each have a deep fundamental understanding of the subject they teach, and are passionate about the subject as well. Nothing bores me more than an apathetic person, but I've never had a truly apathetic teacher. Even if I don't fully understand the the topic or have the same drive about it, I appreciate it more because of the passion from the teacher.

Teachers are not only some of the most passionate people I have met, but they are also the most caring and loving people too. I've had a teacher drive two hours each way just to come support me at a camp for a day, another teacher told me about the opportunity to write for this website, my teachers have stayed after school to help me through concepts I did not understand, and the list goes on. They show so much love for us throughout the year, it's hard not to love them back.

We truly don't appreciate our teachers enough. They are there for us in good times and bad, help us shape our person, and care for us more than we could ever fathom.

So, thank you to every single one of my teachers. You have provided me with more than just an education, you've given me a chance to grow into who I am now, and who I will become. Your classes have enthralled me and opened my eyes to new ideas and methods, you have left me a better person than I was.

I encourage everyone to thank a teacher today, for they have shaped you into the best you can be.