A few weeks ago, I received an email from an unrecognized address. Curiosity got the best of me, as it so often does, and I decided to open it. This was a wise choice — I was informed that my high school journalism teacher and school newspaper advisor, someone who has objectively changed and shaped my life immensely, was retiring. 

I was shocked at first by how emotional I felt upon reading the news. Though it’s been seven years since I crossed the graduation stage, stepping into adulthood donning black robes and a quite unflattering cap, I remember clearly my first day in my first-ever journalism class. I had long thought that I might enjoy a career in journalism, as writing was always a delight to me, but it wasn’t until I dove headfirst into it that I knew it was for me. The stress of deadlines, the anxiety of interviewing, the joy of telling a story that has too long gone untold — I thrived off of it. But another reason I enjoyed journalism so much was in large part because of my teacher, Mr. Johnson. He made learning fun and the mundane interesting, and truly taught me everything I needed to become the writer I am today. 

I bring this all up as teacher appreciation week just recently passed, held May 4-8 this year, and I believe that teachers are sadly too often underappreciated. Teachers shape countless lives each and every day, educating and leading, molding the next generation of minds. Without them, we would undoubtedly be lost. Without Mr. Johnson, I may be in a totally different career, living a totally different life — I am very thankful that is not the case.

As the school year comes to a close this month, it’s important to recogngize the massive impact teachers have had on the lives around them, and share appreciation while doing so. A nice note could make someone’s day, and as one of the most underpaid and overworked professions, I’m sure a gift would as well. 

Thank you, teachers, for everything you do. And congratulations to the graduating class of 2026 — best wishes to you all!