To the teacher who was so much more,

You know who you are. This applies to more than one person in my book because I have had the privilege of having more than one awesome teacher. But, there was one who helped me get on the right track to success my senior year.

Thank you for inspiring me. From the day I had you in class, I knew I wanted to be just like you. You get those teachers in life who just don't care. I really hope I never become one of those. What's the point in being a teacher if you don't care? I hope that one day I can be at least half the teacher you are.

Thank you for all the lighthearted conversations. Whether it was about an episode of Grey's Anatomy or something crazy that happened that day. I knew I could always go to you for a laugh. We always had crazy stories for each other: mostly about my sister and her crazy adventures she takes me on.

Thank you for letting me rant to you when it all became too much. Basketball was one stressful season this year. Whether it was my boot, captain struggles, or losing my starting spot for a while. You told me to just keep pushing through, and eventually it would get better. Without that one more little push, I might have quit basketball my senior year.

Thank you for always being there for me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. For whatever reason, I had had a very stressful weekend. Everyone was questioning my decision about college and what career path I was going to choose. Me, who second guesses myself about almost everything, was almost in tears. I didn't want to disappoint anyone. Thankfully, I had someone who I could talk to. I asked you about everything because you were what I aspired to be: a math teacher. I was freaking out about whether it was the right decision or not. You came right out and told me, "Reagan, I know that you will make a great teacher some day. If it's what you want to do, do it." From then on, I knew that this was the right path for me. Those words stick with me everyday as I journey to my new adventure in college.

Thanks for always caring about me. Whether it was when I was basically dying in class my junior year before homecoming or when I was in that stupid boot my senior year. You always cared. No matter what. I remember when my brother and I both seemed "off" at school, and you asked if there was anyway you could help. Not only did you care about me, but my brother as well. That proves even more about how much you care.

Thanks for answering my a million questions: yes, every single one. I can't even tell you how helpful you were to me. Pretty sure I would've failed every weekly review if it wasn't for you helping me. Pretty sure I would've failed the class too if I didn't ask. You showed me that I need to verbalize if I need help: which will help me this fall.

Thank you for being so much more to me. I don't know if I would've made it through my senior year without you. Even though you had to leave early, you will never know how much that time meant to me. I really appreciate everything you have ever done to me. You must've written one heck of a letter of recommendation considering how many scholarships I got, so thank you for that too. I learned so much more from you than just calculus. I learned how to believe in myself when others don't, how to stand up for myself, and most importantly who and what I want to be in life. I hope someday I impact a student just as much as you did to me. I will miss you so much this year.