As I approach the beginning of the end of my undergraduate career, I’ve been thinking about how I've made it this far. Without a doubt, I’ve had amazing support from my friends and my family. However, I can’t deny that I’ve had many great teachers along the way. Each of you has shaped my career as a student for the better.

Thank you for teaching me that it’s easier to give up than it is to continue on, and that I should never take the easier way out. Whether it was homework or a bad grade on an exam, sometimes it made more sense to stop trying the things I wasn’t good at. Thank you for challenging me to push through the hard times. At the time I may not have appreciated it, but it without a doubt made me a stronger student. Being a college student, I now have the ability to push through even the hardest exams.

Thank you for the out of classroom time you spent preparing your lessons. It’s no secret that teachers spend much of their own time and money on their classrooms and their students. Thank you for bribing me with the smallest prizes to teach me that hard work is worth the reward. Whether it was a fancy pencil or a sticker, it motivated me to work hard and do well. Thank you for the money you spent on fun colored whiteboard markers and games for the class to play. Thank you for helping me find my own creativity.

Sometimes, students can have rough days. Even in elementary or middle school, life would get hard. Thank you for being a teacher I could confide in. Your educational support made you an outstanding teacher. However, the support you provided aside from schoolwork made you go above and beyond. It’s true that sometimes our feelings can impact how we do on tests or papers. Thank you for giving me extra time to work on a question when you knew I wasn’t having the best day.

Thank you for inspiring me everyday. Everyone says you should do what you love. Looking back, I can tell that teaching was your calling. It’s hard to wake up every morning in a great mood. However, thank you for always making your classroom a warm, welcoming environment. As students, sometimes we can seem ungrateful for all the little ways you helped us. Thank you for starting each day with a smile and reminding me that school can be a great place. Thank you for making me want to learn. As a young student, I didn’t always appreciate the extra time and attention you gave to making sure your students reached their highest potential. Thank you for helping me set high standards for myself as a student.

Thank you to all of the teachers who made learning an exciting and fun experience. Without you as guides, I’m not sure I would have liked going to school. To all of my friends who will be future teachers, remember who inspired you and know your students will appreciate everything you do.