Mrs. McNeely,

I owe my passion for writing to you. You have inspired me more than anyone. You lit a spark in my writing and it has only grown bigger since then.

I know you are emotional right now with your pregnancy, but I hope you can stand to read this. When I came to Arkansas Tech I was an emotional wreck. I had just uprooted from my home of 18 years and had been dealing with things a woman of my age shouldn't have.

On the first day of class you assigned an assignment that I found impossible. You had asked me and my peers to write a short autobiography. I did not even know how to begin to pour my life into a minimum of two pages.

Being the good noodle I always am, I did it anyway. I told you my story. I told you every good thing about it and did not dare leave out the rough parts. I truly think my story made you see a different woman. I still remember what you wrote on my paper because I had ended my paper by stating that I was still searching for who I really was.

You had written in response to that, "And that my dear is good too. One day you will know. You will look at this experience and you will be thankful for what it has taught you. I see a lot of potential and strength in you. Be brave and continue to learn and grow! And p.s. I bet your mom is very proud of you."

With tears in my eyes and a heart so full, I took those words and ran. In those simple words, I found strength and guidance to keep going. I thank you so much for that.

As I continued to take your classes, you pushed me outside my box. Never once did you let me lay a lame piece of work before your eyes. You always knew what I was capable of. You turned a shy girl into a strong, independent writer who did not care if she pissed people off by voicing her opinion.

I still think to myself where I would be if I had not chosen Arkansas Tech University. Or if I had not stepped foot into your class. I probably would not be the writer I am today. You taught me how to pour my heart into writing and love it. I would not want to stand in a chair alongside anyone else. Remember that day?

I am forever thankful for you and your words of wisdom.

Sincerely,

The Young Woman You Changed