My Inspiration

Dear Ms. Hall, 

You are the reason I have always wanted to become a teacher. Journaling, the Friday morning treasure chest, your constant spark and passion for what you do, all of it. All of it made me want to impact the lives of little ones because of the effect you had on me. 

I know having you not only as my first grade teacher, but as a role model, a mentor, a positive influence, has made me a better person. It is difficult to get messages and emotions through to a six year old kid; however, you touched my heart through your dedication to my education and well being. I have never had a teacher who put their students before themselves in such a way that you did. You dug beyond the surface. You discovered each of our individual strengths and weaknesses, encouraging our strengths and overcoming our weaknesses. 

What I learned from you in the first grade was enough to make me realize I was destined to become a teacher. In life, all I can ask for is happiness. A lot of a person’s happiness stems from their daily routines, who they surround themselves with, their career. Seeing the contagious smile on your face when I would walk into the classroom each morning and watching you treat each and every one of us like your own is what I will strive to emulate when I teach. I have had teachers in the past who seem miserable at their jobs, and that really makes me wonder why they would choose to follow a career path that makes them so unhappy. It really had an affect on my learning, and made me question my future aspirations. However, what has continuously assured me to continue on my path to teaching is the way you made me feel as a student. I do not ever want ANY child to doubt what they want to be when they grow up. 

So, with that, thank you. Thank you for inspiring, and driving, this next phase of my life. The one where I inspire future generations of children to be whoever they want to be, just like you once did with me. And hopefully some day, one of my students will be writing a similar letter to me. 

All of my love and appreciation,
Sydnee Schapiro