I’ve always had a strong appreciation of teachers, mostly due to my mother being a teacher herself. I truly understand how much time, energy, and dedication goes into being a teacher. Not only do teachers work hard to create lesson plans and attend an endless list of meetings but a majority of their time goes into thinking about their students. I have been lucky enough to have quite a few amazing teachers in my life, and many of them I often think of while I am working my way through my freshman year of college. Many of them may not fully understand the impact they have had on me and my choices.

It was because of a teacher I realized just how much effort and focus I can dedicate to a class. It was because of a teacher I found a love for 19th century romantic novels, memoirs, plays, poetry, graphic novels and everything in between (except for Romeo and Juliet--I’m sorry I really can’t get behind that one). It was because of a teacher I learned to ask questions, even if they sounded really stupid in my head. It was because of a teacher I love to write, and why I am writing this article right now. It was because of a teacher I learned to appreciate all subjects, even the ones I hate. It was because of a teacher I believed in my abilities. It was because of a teacher I learned to respect all people. It was because of a teacher I found comfort in a classroom. It was because of a teacher I value in my opinions and have the confidence to voice them. It was because of a teacher I discovered my major. It was because of every teacher I am the student and person I am today.

There are so many things teachers have said to me over the years that still ring loud and clear. The comments left on essays, encouraging words after struggling to understand something, or notes written in yearbooks have made all the difference. I could never say thank you enough or truly explain the difference you have made in my life, so if one of my old teachers is reading this then this is for you:

You make a difference. You give hope. You dry tears. You lead by example. You change lives. You save lives. You shape lives.

Words could never fully explain what you have done for me, and so many others.