I went home with my boyfriend for spring break recently, and while we were there, he took me around to his elementary and high schools. While he was there, he made sure to visit every teacher who had had a significant impact on his life. He visited those who inspired him and those who taught him valuable skills that helped him excel in the college world. After visiting the schools with him, I decided I needed to thank those who taught me how to excel in college.

To all of my high school teachers, while I may have looked like I was bored out of my mind and falling asleep in your class, I promise that I learned something significant from each and every one of you. While all of you educated me and prepared me for the college world, many of you also taught me life skills that have helped me thrive and enjoy college. By challenging me in classes such as honors/AP biology, AP calculus, and AP computer science, I was able to find things that I was passionate about, and you helped me become who I am today. You taught me to look at things on a deeper level to achieve a true understanding of the subject. I cannot thank you enough.

Coming into college, I was able to test out of all of my biology classes, make high scores in calculus I and II, and understand how to write a good paper. But seriously, you should know how to write a good paper. It makes all the difference in the world. You not only taught me school subjects, but you helped me through the tough times in life. Whether it was that time I had to miss three weeks of school because of sickness or the loss of a family member, you stood beside me the entire time, offering to take time out of your busy schedule to help me understand.

I want you all to know that I won't forget the people who have helped me be successful. I think of many of you every single day and am so thankful that I was able to be your student. Thank you for everything.