It’s honesty time! I have to admit that when I joined the community of Horizon Honors I wasn’t very happy or thrilled. I was actually the complete opposite. I was very upset; it was a new year and a new school… again. After transferring to nine different schools, I wasn’t looking forward to starting over. Three years later, I’m still attending Horizon Honors and there’s no news of transferring any time soon. I’ve officially settled down and retired my title of switching from one place to another. I can finally say that I have found my home.

Now, with another semester under my belt, I like to reflect on how I’ve gotten this far in life. I look back on the past few years of high school and even middle school. I think of all the great teachers that have impacted my life and made me the person I am today.

Teachers don’t get the credit they deserve. They’re the role models in our lives that help we students along our journey into becoming adults. Yes, this is very cliche, but why not do something to show our teachers how much we truly appreciate them. It’s the small gestures that can make them feel so much better about what they do. How often do you hear of a kindness done for a teacher? I say not enough. Years from now, think of this story and try to impact someone that has left a small imprint on your life.

It seems unheard of that students might drop by to see their old teacher. Well, on January 22, I took a journey to the past, or at least to my roots of where my adolescent years began. I went to the new location of my old school. As strange as it may sound, I did research before making this bold move. I wanted assurance that I had a reason to venture on this journey, and sure enough, I did. My sixth through seventh grade English and music teachers followed to the new school location. On that beautiful afternoon I took a drive to the has-been of my educational years. I completely felt like Marty McFly, except I didn’t have a cool time machine car. Anway, I approached the doors to this wondrous place that I’d been waiting to see for years, I was left speechless until I asked for my teacher Mrs. Kleinman.

I did drop in during the middle of the school day, so the front office had to be sure that she was okay with accepting my visit and I was relieved when she said, ” She’d love to see you.” Walking down the halls of this place I’d never been to, but felt like I had, gave me so much joy. When I saw Mrs. Kleinman, she was jumping with excitement. I spent a good half hour catching up with her and telling her how grateful I was to have her as a teacher. Her jaw fell to the floor when I told her that I was a journalist and that I plan to pursue it as a career. She actually had to walk around her room to get air. After conversing with her, she directed me to Mr. Steward, my old music teacher and volleyball coach.

Now, it may be strange to think that teachers would actually be happy to see old students again, but it was amazing to see how just seconds can have such a positive effect on somebody’s day. As we move on in our lives and start new chapters we leave behind a mark.Mrs. Kleinman once told me, ” When my students ‘leave’ me, they are imprinted in my brain as 12, 13, and 14-year-olds. It never fails to amaze me when I see them again as young adults.  And the joy I get when they tell me how successful they have become, it makes my heart sing.”

So, why not take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone? All you have to do is take the time and effort to stop and think of all the great things our teachers do for us. Appreciate them and show them you care; whether it be today, tomorrow or even five years from now, a simple thank you is all it takes to experience the joy of making someone feel good about themselves.