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A teacher standing in front of a classroom

At one point in our lives all of us have had a teacher. Teachers are in our lives from the age of three all the way up to eighteen or nineteen.

A teacher is someone who helps tiny individuals learn and grow. A teacher has a humongous impact on children and who they become as they get older. Students go through many teachers throughout their lives, and some leave a good mark: we remember these loveable teachers who grew on us as if they were a parent, sibling, friend or overall well-trusted ally.

Teachers’ Days across the world were set up for students to really say, “Thank you!” These holidays give back to the workers who put countless hours in to prepare the perfect lesson.

Not only do teachers put in the majority of their day just to plan and figure out the best ways to motivate students to do their best, but while doing this, they are underpaid and very badly treated. And while teachers share their love with their students, that love isn’t always reciprocated.

But teachers do so much for us!

At the young age of 10 years old, I grew a bond with my 4th grade teacher. Ms. Jen was a kind-hearted woman. She was hired in a frantic haze, seeing that the previous 4th grade teacher had just had a baby and wasn’t returning to school. 

My class had gone through multiple substitute teachers, and the day Ms. Jen came to school everyone fell in love with her. Her strawberry blonde hair and sweet voice coaxed my troublesome class back into shape after months of no learning and just trying to survive the next sub. 

One of the first classes I had with her, we read the first book of Harry Potter. I am not sure whether we students were enthralled by the story, or just happy to be on a schedule with a teacher. 

I was able to attend her wedding reception, a night I will never forget. Even to this day, she still reaches out to me, after years of not being in her class. She doesn’t have too, but she chooses to stay connected in my new life. I will forever cherish my relationship with my 4th grade teacher and hope to continue to grow our mentor-mentee bond.

Teachers’ holidays have helped raise awareness of how much these wonderful individuals — people like Ms. Jen — have done for children, teens, young adults and adults. 

As stated above, teachers have such a tremendous impact on early stages of learning. When the much-needed recognition is given, all the hard work is worth it. By showing our appreciation toward our teachers, educators, and other people who have directed us in our lives, we show how much they mean to us and that we are forever grateful for their guidance.

Thank you Ms. Jen, and all the other hard-working teachers out there!

by Ari Hurdsman (17) Junction

Feature image caption: Teachers hold a special place in so many of our hearts. But we often don’t take the time to let them know. Take advantage of the chances you get to say thank you to all our wonderful teachers! Courtesy ‘Nappy.’