Dear Mr Schwartz,

With it being Teacher Appreciation Week, I’ve realized this is the first time in three years that I’m officially thanking you for all the help and opportunities you’ve given me. When I walked into your broadcast journalism class my sophomore year, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do. But with someone as tough (and as sassy) as you, I quickly realized I was going to have to work harder to earn recognition. 

Because of you I’m now confident enough to talk to anyone and ask questions for any article I’m writing without needing to be prompted. You taught me that I can succeed in the journalism field as long as I put in the effort. Even though we go back and forth joking with each other every class, you always keep things engaging whether it’s your dad jokes like “You like them apples,”, keeping us updated on whatever coach you’re arguing with, or your passion for all P.M. pep rallies that all the seniors skip, or the fact that every time you sneeze, your back starts aching. 

I hope that next year in college I find myself missing the way you’d push us to find new stories to write about, by saying “Do you smell that?”. I’ll never doubt that you believe in my writing abilities, especially since you encouraged me every week to write, even when I was complaining. I really appreciate the trust you’ve had in me, especially considering that sophomore year I could barely get my B-roll in on time.

I hope you remember my sarcasm, and I’ll definitely come back to visit, if only to see my brick. Thank you for being one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.

Peace out bruh,

Ellory Deaton