From the time I was really young, I wanted to be a teacher. I would make my sister play school, and I made her practice worksheets for math and spelling. Then, I would take a red marker and give her grades like a real teacher would, depending on how well she did. As I got older, this manifested into helping my classmates understand the topics we were covering in class, or holding study sessions before tests. Now that I am officially a teacher with my own students, I look back and I am so grateful for the different influences I've had from all the great teachers in my life.

I have been blessed to have a lot of fabulous teachers, ones who showed me what it means to be compassionate yet firm, understanding but focused. Each one taught me a little about what teaching means and what it looks like to care for your students.

Mrs. Bushway taught me that it is just as important to act right in the classroom as it is to do your work.

Mrs. Grenon taught me that you can turn your students' interests into a lesson.

Mrs. Williams taught me that you can turn math fun by having your cat teach it.

Mrs. Boyce taught me that trying to be the "perfect teacher" is boring.

Ms. Boynes taught me that reading plays a key role in a student's development.

Mrs. Gallo taught me that developing relationships with your students makes all the difference in the world.

Mrs. Gilbert taught me that you have to grow from year to year, or you will never be better than a first year teacher.

Mr. de la Cruz taught me that you can have meaningful conversations with students, even if they are young.

Mr. S taught me that you can always push yourself to do more than you originally expected of yourself.

Mrs. Monteiro taught me that using review games are fun AND helpful.

Pastor Marco taught me that you need to be honest with your students - they will appreciate it.

Mr. Kosiba taught me that it is important to create a safe and loving environment in your classroom.

Senora taught me that learning is hard, but that isn't a reason to give up.

Mr. Korveh taught me that believing in yourself plays a big role in being successful, as both a student and a teacher.

Mrs. Moore taught me that laughter helps the day go by faster.

Mr. Picard taught me that asking the right questions is just as important as understanding material.

Mr. Lima taught me that your passion for teaching shows through your lessons each day.

I value all of these lessons my teachers taught me. I try to use the things I've seen and experienced each day in my own classroom. I have learned not to take for granted the impact I can have with my students. I want to inspire kids just like I was inspired. To all of my past teachers: thank you. Even if you don't realize it, your impact extends beyond me and into the students I teach. I only hope one day, my students can say the same of me.