If I were ever to win a Nobel Prize or an Oscar, there are quite a few people that I would have to thank. People always thank their parents, their significant other, and then assorted other people who helped them out along the way. Even though the chances of me winning anything where I would need to make a thank you speech are extremely rare, there is one specific group that needs a thank you almost just as much as my parents do. That would be my parents away from home, the parents who keep me safe within my past and present educational institutions, my teachers. This would be to all of you

Throughout my life I have endured many an academic struggle. I’ve been low on time, low on sleep, and I know that sometimes I am not the most fun person to have in class. No matter what happened and what was going on with me, a majority of my teachers always had a smiling face and wanted nothing but for me to succeed. When something was wrong I was always asked about it and sat down to have a conversation.

However, sometimes you were the worst person in the world. Whether I didn’t want to take the test or just wasn’t in the mood to learn, you put up with it. I am the student that I am today because of the support and challenges that all of you have given me.

Whether it was pushing me to get my five in advanced placement U.S. history or pushing me to the level of near death in gym class, I always knew that all of you believed in me. Even in college, there are professors who are willing to sacrifice their time for me. The best example of this is when I needed a letter of recommendation for a scholarship. This would normally be fine, but I found out a day before it was due. My professor showed up to class a day later with a recommendation letter in hand.

I know that as teachers you often have to deal with students who don’t want to be there and don’t really care about what they’re learning. I feel sorry for them because you all have so much to offer to your students. Know that you are appreciated and that there are students who value the time and effort that you put in. Everything from lesson plans, to grading, to coaching on the side takes a toll on you. So thank you for doing all of this with a smile on your face. Thank you for not giving up on me as a student and giving me the push I needed to get me to where I am today. Thank you for everything you’ve done and for doing it all with such poise and sparkle in your eye. Everything has been appreciated.

Yes, this letter is not directed at every single teacher I’ve ever had. There are some that made me question why I ever took that class in the first place; those few teachers whose lectures were so boring I woke up at the end of it with drool all over my face. Yet, I believe that even this brand of teacher has the potential to change the world. They just need to learn from the stellar people surrounding them.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for every other student who had the pleasure of calling you their teacher. You have and will continue to make a difference.

Sincerely, the student who never thought that she could