I have spent almost four years of my life

that is 1,460 days

in the same worn down cafeteria seat

in the same white brick classrooms

with the same humidity panting down my neck in the summer

and the same frigid tiredness swallowing my faltering

ambition every winter.

With the same beating sense of

misdirection and

miscommunication,

I watched as almost every contemplation I had about my future

got swallowed up by something or someone in society saying

“It’s impossible.”

 

If there is one thing I could say to my teachers

that I normally couldn’t squeeze in before that horrible bell rings

every day

I’d say hey-

thank you.

 

I would say thank you for teaching me that two plus two equals four

and that one mistake plus the same mistake of a lesson not learned

can lead down the wrong path quickly.

I would say thank you for teaching me which presidents stood up for what

and that what is truly right and just will always prevail over wrongdoing.

Thank you for teaching me that two chemicals mixed together can either form

something damaging

or something stunning and that some friendships come in different

shapes

in different forms- some stronger than the other

but they all have reasons even though some

don’t rhyme.

Thank you for teaching me that every paragraph has to be well structured and well manicured

because sometimes in life we only have one chance

to say what we need to say.

 

I’d say thank you for showing me that the best person I can be

is the best version

of who I already am.

Thank you for always reassuring me that my adversities did not destroy me

but with help and guidance

molded my beautiful mind.

Thank you for teaching me that everyday when I wake up

I should look in the mirror and be

proud.