It was my first day of junior year at Arrowhead High School and I had just begun to dread the day that was ahead of me as the warm, sun filled days of summer faded away. My day started as I prepared myself to listen to the ongoing readings of the syllabus and class expectations for the next seven hours on a loop as though they were a broken record. As I walked into my fourth hour class (I expected no difference), I got comfortable ready to listen to the same speech all over again. Although, my ears perked as I listened and realized I was listening to something completely different–new even. 

Mental health awareness. That’s what Mrs. Passler, my American literature teacher, started talking about. “Students can only be stable academically if they are mentally first.” This is one of the first things she said to the class shortly after the bell indicated the start of the period. She continued with how mental health affects us as students. How we can learn to cope and overcome such a struggle. I sat in my seat and listened with awe as teachers addressed this subject every once in a while but not to the extent that it became a focal point. 

For a student who has struggled in the past with mental health and at the time not knowing how to cope best as outlet options were limited, I felt heard. I felt as though I had a safe place to talk if I needed to. Beyond that, I felt like I had a safe person to talk to.

 She didn’t stop there either. Each day at the beginning of class she went through different mindfulness activities. One mindful activity I especially remember was when we closed our eyes and just thought–almost a guided meditation. I was really able to reflect and think, I felt clarity. 

In all, these activities helped us to learn about ourselves and maybe what we need, I know they helped me so much. With these activities it really gave me an opportunity to better myself and really dig into what I needed. With all of her help I know I was able to start and end the semester as completely different people. 

Above all of that though, I could just tell that Mrs. Passler wanted the best for each and every single one of her students. You were able to tell how much she really cared by the way she always checked in and shared a smile with us each and everyday. For me she was different from any teacher I have had before, she made me feel heard, encouraged me to smile, and truly had my best interest at heart. For me that is what has made Mrs. Passler an outstanding teacher to me and I will never be able to thank her enough for all she did. 

Thank you Mrs. Passler, you truly helped me grow.