I have always been an anxious kid. Starting third grade was a new academic realm for me in the Charter School at Hartland South Elementary, and I was nervous.

On the first day, I felt small. I was nervous to see who else I’d be in class with. Each class was composed of third, fourth, and fifth graders. I was terrified to be with kids I didn’t know, much less older kids, as I had just come out of a small, regular second grade class. 

The first game changer was Ms. Anderson, my teacher. She welcomed everyone with a calm and approachable tone, and had us sit in a circle to get to know one another. Before long, I was giggling with everyone else. She eased me into this big, scary situation. She had the warmest smile, and I could tell it was a safe space. She was the blazing sun, and we were her sprouts. 

 I knew I liked reading, but every other classroom I had ever been a part of had set reading groups, with a list of books we had to choose from. There was no flexibility, no decisions to make for ourselves. 

When I was with Ms. Anderson, however, she let me take on the challenges of the books I had only dreamt of reading. Ms. Anderson fostered my love for literature. There were no limits, and that was thrilling. I could read books like The Hunger Games, or Divergent, or the entire Harry Potter series. 

I met some of my best friends at the time from the book groups which she let us select; we read books we wanted. I even did a project on the Civil War by choice, and I was thrilled to be able to do so. She encouraged me to stretch my mind and be who I wanted to be through learning and collaboration. 

Reflection time was at the end of every day. I wrote and reflected on all the events of each day. I poured out my thoughts and feelings, and Ms. Anderson would later read the journals and see how we were doing. I wanted her to be proud of me and know how much I adored her. It was clear how much she cared about her students. I knew I needed to tell her how much I loved her, but I don’t think I ever properly expressed my gratitude. 

Ms. Anderson, you taught me the importance of a great book, and the value of the mind. You cared for everyone, and I believe my love of literature and learning comes from the things you taught me in that room. 

I am forever grateful for your can-do mentality and the possibilities you gave me. I will never forget my time with you and how much you cared about me.