Letter of Recommendation: Teacher Thank You’s

As the semester comes to a close and it gets into the bulk of the giving season, it is important to recognize those who are shaping our lives. A prime example of this is our teachers – the adults in our lives who are molding us into the people we are going to be. It’s easy to disregard this, as tests are coming up. However, it is more crucial than ever to show teachers what they mean to us, for they have worked a lifetime to impact the lives of their kids.  

Students,  myself included, oftentimes focus on the negatives of teachers, saying “her class is so boring,” or “he doesn’t teach us anything.” Finals especially force us to look back on the year, the good and the bad, but let’s be real, mostly the bad. We say, “this class is hard”, “they expect too much from me.” It comes in many forms. But, no matter your beliefs, December is a time to give and be grateful. For me, this has manifested in letters:

Mr. DeGear:

You showed me who I want to be. You made me believe I could get there. You inspire me to be the best journalist I can be and, beyond that, you show me how to stay balanced in my everyday life. Your positivity and general care for your students is reflected in your teaching. You have been a stable fixture in my life since day one of freshman year. Thank you for helping me find my place.  

Ms. Ackerson/Mrs. Beckan:

Almost three years ago, you were the first adult I told about my mental illness. I trusted you because you are kind. You knew when it was one of my bad days and could tell it was a bad time to call on me in class. You made me believe in myself and you are much of the reason I am still here today. Even when you were halfway around the globe, you kept me going. Thank you for making me believe I am strong.

Ms. Widhalm:

I was so scared of you for the first week of school, I was shaking constantly in anatomy. You are so intelligent, especially about the human body, that I was nervous to make myself look dumb in front of you. However, I have come to know you as one of the sweetest women of the Fossil Ridge community. You truly care about your students and want them to succeed. Thank  you for showing me things are not as they seem.

These are just quick versions of what thank you’s can be, and yet, they can mean a lot to the teachers that read them. School is meaningful through relationships, and these are built through gratitude. I make it a point to write to all teachers who have touched my life to let them know they have. Writing thank you’s is underappreciated and more meaningful than we give it credit for, and I highly encourage you try it this year.