Dear West York teachers,

After spending 12 years in the West York Area School District, it is safe to say that all of you have impacted my life in ways that deserves a thank you. The special thing about West York is that the teachers care about their students more than I have ever heard of. From kindergarten to senior year, there are so many teachers that have impacted my life.

Thank you for the teachers who were always patient with me. Some of you stood by me and walked me through math problems again and again (and again). It takes a special kind of person to not give up when you've gone through a problem seven times and your student still doesn’t understand.

The teachers who want their students to get it right not just for the grade, but in order to truly learn.

Thank you to the teachers who were always passionate about their jobs. It’s because of you that I’m able to write the best conclusion paragraph anyone’s ever seen. It’s because of you that I was introduced to subjects I never imagined being interested in.

The teachers who dedicated each and every class to their students’ minds.

Thank you to the teachers who gave up some of their own life in order to give to mine. Some days when I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast, you would offer your granola bar. I needed extra studying on certain topics and you gave up your free period or after school hours.

The teachers that worked outside of their regular school day because their students needed the help.

Thank you to the teachers who drifted from their lesson plans to discuss deep social issues or crazy inquiries about the universe. You captured my, and the entire class's, attention by gifting us with your knowledge. You pushed me to question the world around me and to take risks with my education.

The teachers who pushed their students to expand their knowledge with their own inquiry.

Thank you to the teachers who were also my friend. You made school a safe place for me to go every day. Teachers like you provided support during some of the most difficult times in my life and offered advice that I still turn to today.

The teachers who went above and beyond to make sure their students were not just getting by in life.

Thank you to all of the West York teachers (and staff) who greeted me with a smile every morning—even when I wasn’t awake enough to smile back. Thank you for being not only my teachers but a part of my West York family. And finally, thank you for helping me be the person I am and inspiring me to become an educator alongside of all of you.

You never know, I might find my way back to the bulldogs one day.