It seems in today's world, we spend so many of our years in the classroom. It is within school walls we make endless memories ( the good and bad) and relationships. These years can greatly shape the habits, work ethic and outlook we can have towards life. While there were the obvious friendships and boyfriends, there was another group of people who had a huge influence on our lives: our teachers! As a graduate of Greater Latrobe High School, I can honestly say we were blessed with the most passionate and giving teachers. Here is a thank you for all you do...

Thank you for taking the extra time.

I know with having multiple classes each at different levels, you always had so much work to do. Even so, you always took the time to work with me if I had trouble, and always made sure I wasn't confused. Now some may say this is your job to do so, I won't accept that. It takes an extraordinary teacher and person, to go above and beyond to work with students no matter how long and frustrating it can be. Your efforts and passion to teach made all the difference in my academic life, and helped me believe I could accomplish anything.

Thank you for being a friend when I needed it.

High school and college years can be awful, stressful, and downright crazy. There were times at school where I had issues with classmates, friends or other situations, but you were there to help. I can’t tell you enough how much it meant to have your guidance during the tough times. Your assistance and encouragement helped me to persevere and believe in myself. I'm sure it would have been easier to just be my teacher, but instead, you chose to help me with my problems that didn't relate to class. In class we may not have told you, but you made our time here so much better.

Thank you for pushing me.

There were times when we as students got very lazy, whined, didn't follow rules or directions. You didn't accept that. You knew we could do better than what we were giving. You pushed us when we needed it. As much we may have whined about being pushed, years later, I am so grateful for it. It showed me that you believed in us and our abilities. It made me see how well you prepared us for what was ahead. As a college student now, I look at my work and see all the lessons you have taught us manifested. I wouldn't be the student I am now without you. I am so thankful that you believed in me.

Thank you for helping me realize my dream.

I went into college as an environmental studies major. I still hold that as a topic I am very passionate about but couldn't imagine a career in. It wasn't until I fell in love with my biology class in college that I realized what I wanted, no needed, to do. I had always enjoyed working with kids and loved to learn about new things. I wondered, could I really be a good teacher? In these moments I thought back to all of my teachers and how much they believed in me and what I could do. I then thought, why not? I had a passion for learning and teaching (you can't have one without the other) and realized that this was my path. I can only hope to be like the teachers I was blessed to have. In college, we are taught our specialties and how to teach in the classroom. However, I thank my teachers for showing me things that I can't learn in a classroom: patience, kindness, encouragement, and passion. It is thanks to you that I am where I am.

Many people can go through their school years just trying to get by to earn their diplomas or degrees without stopping to realize just how much more we can learn. It is from our instructors that we learn how to think, analyze, and solve problems. We learn the power of education. We as students change their lives in small ways, but I thank them for changing my life in huge ways. Share with a teacher who has impacted your life, just as my teachers have impacted mine.