Dear Mrs. Kulenych,
Out of all the teachers I've had in my life, you've had the biggest impact on me by far. I was so lucky to have you as a teacher for all four years of high school. I'd like to just say thanks for everything you taught me in the classroom, growing up, and about myself; I'm truly grateful.
Thank you for believing in me.
Even when I didn't see it in myself, you saw potential and promise in me. You pushed me to do my very best in everything I set out to do. You praised me when I did well, and made sure to motivate me to try again when I failed. Even if I got knocked down, you helped me back up, and I am so grateful for you. Thank you for believing in me, especially when I didn't believe in myself.
Thank you for being my in-school therapist.
There was no one else in that high school that seemed to care about me as much as you did. I genuinely got the sense that you truly wanted to connect with me, as well as with each one of your students. Instead of brushing aside a bad day I was having, you forced me to actually talk about it. You truly cared about my personal problems, and would let me talk about the latest drama without a complaint. Even then, you had meaningful advice to give at the end of a rant.
Thank you for helping me find my love of English literature.
Even if you tricked me into reading books that destroyed me emotionally for days, what I learned had a lasting impact. Your love of literature spread to me, and I have no idea where I would be today if it wasn't for that. You exposed me to texts, both good and bad, and helped me understand and get a good taste for the discipline as a whole. You helped me finally decide to pursue a career in teaching high school English, if only to be just like you. Since you passed on your love of English to me, I hope to pass it on to my future students.
Thank you for helping me find my voice.
Before I was in your class, I was extremely quiet and reserved. I was too hesitant and afraid to be a leader. You put your faith in me and helped me grow and build the skills necessary to lead a classroom. You put your faith in me and made me an editor even when I thought I couldn't do it. When I doubted my skills, you only gave me more work to do, and proved just how much you trusted me.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Whether it was a creative writing story that ended on a hilarious note, or playing "Frozen" through the speakers of the room for inspiration, you always made me laugh. Sometimes, I came to school only because I knew that I'd be able to see you and be able to joke with you. I'll never forget your little sayings or be able to look at a Dippin' Dots store again without thinking of you.
Thank you for investing in me and being my teacher. I can only hope to become as wonderful and inspirational as you one day.
Love,
Rachael
