"So tell yourself you can."

I could never be a teacher... or at least the kind of teacher that operates within a classroom setting... not because it isn't a rewarding and respectable job... because it is. It's because I have no patience whatsoever. If you've ever been in a car while I'm driving, I'm positive you've discovered this.

But teachers are amazing! I say this because I've been blessed with a few epic teachers/professors along my education journey. The great teachers are the ones that not only really teach you something within their subject area, but also inspire you to be something more than your current state.

They are usually easy to spot because they are the ones who sincerely love what they do. They look forward to walking in the classroom and changing at least one or two students before they walk back out. This may sound dramatic or idealistic, but I'm positive that all my favorite teachers were like this on some level... and I'm so thankful for them.

Sixth grade is one of those grades where everything and everyone around you is changing, and I was no exception. Thankfully there was Mr. Clanton. He taught social studies but even more than that he taught me how to believe in myself. He played chess with his students after class (sometimes during), and I never thought anyone would ever be able to beat him. I told him this one day, and he told me as long as I told myself that I couldn't then I wouldn't "so tell yourself you can." I was the first student to beat him, and now it doesn't seem like that big of a deal but then it was everything.

I personally believe that teachers aren't just there to make sure you memorize a bunch of details, but they're also there to help you discover something about yourself... about your talents and capabilities.

I have no interest in becoming a professional teacher, but I do have a great amount of respect for them. I know that even though graduating college is just a few months away, every teacher I've ever had, in and out of the classroom, is responsible to some degree. Thank You.