As a child, I struggled with anxiety and stress disorders as early as age seven. In grade school, I lacked support from my ‘friends’, peers and, unfortunately, myself. However, that all changed when my third grade teacher, let’s call her Pam, looked me in the eye and told me that I could do anything. It didn’t matter if I was shy, meek or couldn’t do math. I had the power to do anything. So in grade school, I became more confident and made friends I wouldn’t have dreamed of having.

As the years went by, Pam’s encouragement and friendship started to fade as I saw her less and less. In middle school, grief and anxiety struck over me again. I began to do things that I couldn’t possibly imagine doing now. In middle school, I was even suspended. In eighth grade, one of my teachers, let’s call him Frank, sat me down and told me to grab ahold of myself. Sternly and abruptly he taught me shame, and to have dignity in myself as well as my own discipline. In eighth grade, I grew up.

It gets better once I entered high school. Since I gained a sense of maturity and morality, I took on a lot of responsibility. My classes became overwhelming, and too bad I never connected with any of my teachers. That is, until towards the end of the year. When I got to my breaking point, many of my teachers willingly reached out to help me. Not even my friends nor my family influenced me to do my best that year than my teachers had.

I will always be grateful for what my teachers have done for me. They’ve impacted me in a way that, I think, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I’m not writing this to gain sympathy. That would be foolish of me. You could have skipped paragraphs four through seven for all I care. Lately, I’ve noticed that students appreciate teachers less and less.

I’m not saying that everyone should be best pals with their teachers. You don’t even have to like them. But, students should show the same respect teachers show them.

Just to be clear, it’s not like being a teacher will make anyone rich. They don’t teach for the money. They teach because they want to enhance young minds. Not only do they give us an education, but they also help us live life with confidence and excellence. They give their time to prepare their students for the future. Sometimes, wouldn’t they rather be doing other things? Of course. But I believe they value our education more than watching TV and whatnot. They give and give and we take and take. The least we could all do is show some respect and try our best.