Notes

Write a note in this area. It's really easy to sDear Sir,

When we first met in your English class, I thought I would hate you forever. I hated how you made sure I was wearing my school uniform correctly and how you told me to stand up straight before answering a question in class. I wondered what clothes or posture had to do with language arts. Well, the dignity and discipline you instilled in me through what I thought was nitpicking about clothing, posture, and grammar helped turn me into the successful individual I am today.

What I really couldn’t stand were your high expectations. You wouldn’t accept anything unless it were the best we could do or the best you thought we could do — and sometimes that was more than I thought I could do. At the very least, what you thought was my best was usually more work than I wanted to do — not just for class, but for anything I did.

We argued so many times, especially at the beginning of the year. I can’t remember how often you kept me in during lunch. I thought it was a punishment, but now I realize you were making sure I had time to cool down when things got particularly heated. I would raise my voice and burst into tears, and I know I even made threats a few times. But you didn’t lose your temper, and you might have been the only adult in my life who never did.

You listened to me, no matter how loud I got, because you knew I needed to be heard. You were patient with me, even if I didn’t care. And you gave me second chances no matter how many times I screwed up.

When I think about your English class today, I may not remember what you taught us about Beowulf, but I do remember what you taught me about myself. What I can now recognize as your faith in my abilities showed me my true value beyond what I or anyone else believed. You showed me that I could be whatever I wanted, which was the most important lesson I’ve ever learned.

Thank you.

— A student.hare with others. Click here ...