Do you remember when you were a kid and seeing a teacher at the grocery store was like seeing Santa Claus without his red suit? Unbelievable, right? The thought that your teacher, the one who assigned you two hours of homework and made you stay late for talking in class, was actually out of the classroom, was just unimaginable. As students, we often forget that teachers, like everyone else, are people, too. They have their own lives that are full of good days and bad and, contrary to what we believed, they don't want to be at school from dawn to dusk.

Now, most people think that teachers have it easy, with three school vacations a year, plus the entire summer off. Sounds ideal, doesn't it? However, what people do not always appreciate is the extra time teachers dedicate to their work that goes far beyond the work hours of 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Teachers, you deserve a round of applause.

Yes, it is true that every student and teacher relationship isn't exactly perfect. You are not going to get along with every teaching style and sometimes, it just doesn't work. But isn't that how it goes in every relationship? That being said, try not to harp on the one that seemed unruly or too harsh, but rather appreciate the teacher that went the extra mile for you.

Thank the teacher that pulled a dollar from their pocket so that you could still get school lunch when you forgot your money at home. Thank the teacher that really listened when you confessed that you could not possibly survive the day without moving your seat next to your very best friend, even when they knew you would talk. Thank the teacher that let you re-take that math quiz you failed because they understood that you just needed some more help.

Thank your teachers for hosting those holiday parties we all love and miss having. We forget that that was all of their doing. They went out to the store and bought cookies, gallons of ice cream and spent two hours tying colorful ribbons around goodie bags of treats for every single student. Our teachers wanted it to be special because of how much they care. The school does not require fun activities and celebrations, but the teachers wanted to create a memorable experience for every student just to see them smile.

Teachers understand that learning doesn't always come easy and it is not exactly on every student's list of things they want to be doing. Give them a break on the Monday after a long weekend, they wanted to stay home and sleep, too. Try not to take your frustrations of not understanding the material on them, because it only makes the day bad for everyone. Your teacher is not out to ruin your Saturday night plans by assigning a lengthy book report. They want you to do the work so that you learn what it takes to one day be successful.

Our teachers are our friends; they want to see us shine. Along with our families and friends, they are supporters, they are our allies (even when they seem like enemies), and they dedicate each day to helping us get to where we want to be. Yes, school can be a total drag and I will be the first to admit that it is not a fun time, but teachers make it easier.

To all teachers thank you for being patient; we know it isn't easy when 30 people are demanding your attention. Thank you for spending your weekend nights chaperoning school dances and attending sports games and plays. Thank you for making school a safe space to learn.

Teachers, we thank you for all that you are and all that you do.