When I was high school, like many other high schoolers, I had everything but school on my mind. I wanted to do something other than sit in classrooms for six hours. I wanted life to start immediately- no waiting for high school to end. Because of that, I had the tendency to overlook the good things that were right in front of me. There is one, though, whose actions and greatness were never lost on me. This individual was the teacher that was instrumental in shaping who I am now. She taught me how to be thankful for the life I am living and how to make the most of it. The least I can do is thank her for it. (NOTE: this article is a thank you to every teacher that helped change my life, not just one person)

Dear teacher,

Thank you for making me think and work harder. I did not always listen, but your attempts to make me care more about my school work were always noted. I promise you, though I didn't always do everything you told me to, every piece of motivation you gave me has manifested itself somewhere in my life. You once told me. "Victoria, you can do so much more than you give yourself credit for." For a kid whose whole life has been and probably will always be about achievement, hearing those words from you meant more than you will ever know. I will ever be grateful for the moments you pushed me to be a better and stronger person.

Thank you for going the extra mile- for caring about something other than just my education. When I was in the lowest point of my life, you took the time to listen to my problems and help me through them. The advice you so lovingly bestowed upon me about how to fend off the myriad of issues that seemed to pile up on me is something I'll never forget. Thank you for going out of your way to make me feel accepted and loved.

Thank you for being kind. Your words have meaning to me, but your actions will forever be what I remember about you. I have come across many different types of people in my life, and the fact that you stand out in my mind means something. It means that you did something worth remembering. That thing was the way you lived your life. You always loved your neighbor as yourself and treated everyone the same. You openly admitted your flaws, as to let your students know that you are human just like them. The life you lived seemed above reproach; you weren't a hypocrite. Showing love to everyone that came across your path is the reason I so admire you. Thank you for letting your actions speak when your words wouldn't suffice.

I will not lie when I say that high school was nothing but a constant battle of ups and downs. In the words of Jake Miller, "I've had million lows and a million more highs." I will not deny the fact that I didn't push myself to the extent that I should've. What I will say, though, is that I had teachers who showed me that neither the valley nor mountains of life define who I am. So to them I say, "Keep pushing your students to be more than they could imagine, keep inspiring them, and keep living a life of grace in front of them. Never forget that you could be the only light a student ever sees."

From every grateful student whose life you impacted,

Thank you