分享一个老大写给老师的毕业信

Dear Mr. 

Honestly, I don’t think words can fully capture the depth of my gratitude or the impact you’ve had on me and the trajectory of my life. I remember freshman year talking with a teacher about how I wished I was really learning. Going to St.was a good thing for me, but in many ways, I felt like I wanted more—maybe more of a challenge, but more than that: I wanted that feeling of truly understanding something, of learning concepts at a deeper level. That feeling when I’m introduced to something I never would’ve conceived of—something that blows my mind. 

 

I don’t think I ever truly felt that until I was placed in one of your classes. 

 

I still remember James texting me about “the new physics teacher” and how we were going to have “Mr. Tree” for class— only to find out “Se” was not pronounced like the tree (shocking revelation).

And, I remember giving you major sass day one of Physics I because you were blocking the whiteboard with your entire body. 

It was only good things from there! 

Deciding to take three of your classes for senior year scared me a bit (as you know)— mostly because I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But honestly, I’m so glad I did!

The way you invest in your students—not just during class, but before school, after school, on the weekends, when you need to write lesson plans or go to meetings that teach you about teaching (but really take you away from your students), even at 3 a.m. while walking your dog and releasing MCQ scores—is beyond inspiring. You care so deeply about our success, and it shows. 

I’ll never forget one Empower Hour where your room was full of students. In half an Empower Hour, I watched you help with homework, give another person life advice, encourage someone to visit the chapel, and bring a smile to yet another student. It was really a testament to the fact that you do more than teach—you guide, uplift, and listen.

Fun fact: I have a note in my notes app full of quotes and advice, and quite a few of them are from you. My sister once mentioned that it was sweet to see your classroom always filled with students while passing your room. It showed, to her and to me, how comfortable people feel around you—how much they genuinely enjoy your presence. 

During walkout, I didn’t expect to be emotional, but I teared up when I realized I’d be saying goodbye. It hit me how rare it is to have a teacher who leaves such a significant impact. Walkout made me face the reality that I’ve been blessed with your presence almost every single day this year. 

I don’t know if I’ll ever meet another teacher like you—and I think that’s what made this so hard, but also so special.

 

I remember a while back, we talked about how high schoolers have young impressionable minds. My mind definitely has a Mr. S shaped impression on it. 

 

Thank you for everything