I have always known since a young age that I've wanted to be a teacher. Although there was one woman who really impacted, not only my thoughts about teaching, she also enhanced my passion for it.

Freshman year of high school, I walked into English class not expecting anything different. I have always liked to write and it was a subject I usually thrived in. Though this was the first time in a class I did not just automatically receive an “A” in whatever I turned in. I'm not saying I did not get a good grade in the class, but this was the first time a teacher actually gave me heavy critiques on how I could be a better writer. She honestly was the first teacher that challenged me to think more critically.

For someone who has had a passion for writing, you really appreciate when someone gives you advice on how you could be better. Especially since writing is such a vulnerable and personal act.

Something I also really admired about her came from her classroom. In her classroom, a lot of her lessons involved cross-curriculum assignments. I did not encounter many teachers at this time that focused on that or took the time to try and make their lessons more complex. She would have her English assignment whatever that may be and it would tie into another subject.

Sometimes it was an art project, or making it into a play and many other things. That made even the most difficult parts of the class fun. Not everyone strives in English class but having another component gives them a chance to focus on more than one aspect. If we force a subject down a student's throat that they already do not like, things will never change. But if we mix it in with something else, well, maybe they'll at least learn to tolerate it.

The most crucial thing she did for me was allowing me to student teach in her classroom my senior year of high school. At my school, I was allowed to go into another classroom two hours every day and aid the teacher and even teach a few lessons of my own. Of course, being able to teach in a classroom was allowing me to see if I could be a teacher, but it also allowed me to see what grade level I wanted to teach or didn't want to teach.

Through this experience, she became more than the teacher I had my freshman year. She truly transformed into a role model and a friend. I got to sit behind her desk and watch her immerse herself in her lessons and see it from the other side. I also got my first glimpse into what other tasks educators have behind the scenes.

Their days do not end when the school bell rings, there is still so much more that goes into it. The thing I appreciated most about this experience, was the fact she genuinely got involved with my life. Of course, she would ask me about how my school was going but she also cared to know how I was doing as a person.

Teaching to students that were only a few years younger than me was a huge struggle, one that I didn't know if I would be able to do. But with the help of a great teacher, I gained confidence and learned I had the strength, the knowledge and most importantly the potential to be a great teacher no matter what I was trying to teach.

Even when I had hiccups and had a hard time, she was there ready to give me advice and constructive criticism to reassure me I could do it. She is the most supportive person I have ever met and I am so grateful for that.

Overall having her in my life, I saw what a strong woman can bring into the academic world. She truly touched me in more ways than she will ever know and I credit of my current success to those first initial experiences of teaching in her classroom. Without her advice and mentorship, I may have ended up choosing a different career path. Instead, she taught me I am meant for this job.

If I am able to enhance a student life, like she has mine then I will know I picked the right career. Everyone has that one teacher that they remember and that one teacher that changed their life. And I'm so glad you were mine. Still to this day I am beyond grateful for the years I got to work with you.