February 4, 2020

To: Ms. J

You probably won’t get to read this or even remember me. I was just one of the hundred students you had in your class that semester.

I remember it to be just another ordinary day that I needed to endure. From the moment I opened my eyes in the morning, I already could not wait for the day to end uneventfully. Although I didn’t dread going to school, I had no interest nor hope in anything I do. Life was hard, uncertain and scary.

I remember it was the week after we took the first quiz for your class. I looked at the paper you gave back to me and I got a 76 (C). I didn’t have any feelings whatsoever on that grade. I was neither sad nor disappointed nor relieved. You can imagine how suprised I was when you asked to see me after class.

I remember you sat me down, asked me to take out my test paper and went through every question that I got wrong.

I remember feeling extremely impatient. I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home.

I remember you crossed out the 76 and changed it to an 80 (B) after we’re finished. You told me I seemed to get it, and asked why I did so poorly on the quiz. You also asked if everything is okay with me. Did you know that you are the only one who asked me that question? I had not even thought of that myself.

I remember feeling something that I hadn’t felt in a very very long time. Perhaps it was awe. How did you know I did that quiz half-heartedly? Perhaps I was amazed. Why did you care? Perhaps I was awaken. I am not okay and I could not continue living my life this way. But ever since that day, my life changed. You changed it and I would not be who I am today without you.

Even though I write this decades later, Ms. J, I remember it like it was yesterday. I want to let you know that I truly appreciate what you did. I am forever grateful and will keep this in my heart for as long as I am able to remember. I am sorry for not having the courage to thank you in person. I hope you are in good health and still continue teaching and making a difference in other students’ life.

Once again, thank you.

Love, February
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