In the context of my time at Bowie High School, I think I’m best characterized as someone mortified by the prospect of sharing her thoughts and opinions. You can then see why something like a published letter would pose a challenge for me. Alternatively, this might be a better venue for my thoughts, since I’ve always been better at writing than talking. I suppose I’ll be directing this letter primarily to the outstanding teachers of Bowie HIgh School. I’ve had the privilege of learning from teachers who are enthusiastic and beyond talented at their work.
I feel most fulfilled as an individual through my creative output. The teachers who contributed to fostering my creativity, among a sea of students, are truly extraordinary, and have made me into a greater artist.
The Bowie Visual Arts department is composed of the greatest art teachers I’ve had in my education. Ms. Ryan and Ms. LeJeune are truly lovely people, and have a strong understanding of the needs of their students. Many times in their class, they’ve worked one-on-one with me– “Ms. Ryan, can you help me find a purple that’s red, but also brown, and dark like black without actually using black? “Ms. LeJeune, how would I paint the muscle tissue of someone who’s been cut in half?” They always took on a student’s challenges with enthusiasm, and followed up on their works until completion. Each time I finished a piece in their class, I could see tangible results from their lessons.
Mr. Nourse, your class was crucial in helping me realize my identity as an animator. The time I spent producing under your instruction has changed me from someone with a few loose animations and a far-off dream to someone who is going to college for animation. Each time my projects fell short of my standards, you got me back on my feet and chugging on to the next production, always better than the last. I’m so grateful to have made all those self-classified mistakes in your class–making mistakes in such a supportive environment was paramount in my progress as an animator.
Allow me to be conceited. Mr. Reeves, because of the program you facilitate, I will have a significant advantage over other artists my age. Participating on your production team has truly prepared me with skills directly applicable to the fields I plan to enter. Our newspaper is what it is because of the teacher behind it. I leave so, so proud of the art I’ve gotten to create for your publication, and so thankful for the opportunities that have opened up to me because of my time in your class. This experience was a first step for me, in “putting myself out there,” as so many people preach to me. You push your students, and for their betterment. I’ve seen significant growth, both in myself, and in my peers. Thank you for the generous time and passion you put into this paper, and towards your students.
If you’re a student with a creative mind, and are looking for an Advanced Math credit, I recommend taking Advanced Quantitative Reasoning to you. Mr. Day is an absolute joy to have as a teacher, and many of the things he’s said to me in casual conversation have changed my outlook, even if momentarily. He has so much trust in his students, and truly believes in their potential as they become adults. Thank you for chatting with me in fourth period, and for talking me through every concept I didn’t understand until it was framed in a way that matched my way of thinking.
When you’re on the weirder side, as a kid, ELA is often a safe haven class. I was certainly always invested in English class, to a degree I felt shameful about. My wonderful ELA teachers have always made it clear to me that they’re interested in my growth as a writer, and that I have an opinion worth sharing. They are all incredible in their fields. Ms. Hejny is among the most proficient teachers I’ve had the privilege of being taught by. Mr. Morgan, who allowed me to host my creative writing club, though I’ll never step foot in the class– Thank you for providing me a space to push my social boundaries, and share my creative pursuits. Thank you, Ms Holden, for working to understand me, even when I tried so hard not to be seen. I could see how deeply you cared about your students as individuals. I’ll remember the kind things you’ve said to me long into my life.
English teachers should be thanked by precedent. A good English teacher is invaluable. Thank you, finally, for your vocal advocacy, especially for students at risk. It’s you they go to for support in times where they feel threatened.
While on that topic, and while I’m sharing my opinion at all: I think people hear, “you’re not alone in the world,” and derive only a sense of comfort. I echo this, with no such intention. People are progressively forgetting they share the world with others, simply because they don’t have to pay attention. Our neighbors are disappearing around us because of the opinionless majority, bending whatever which way happens upon them. Knowledge is not hopelessness. Ignorance is not bliss. Being aware of your neighbors doesn’t need to be daunting–Push yourself to care a little more, everyday, and the world will be a much better place.
