Dear Ms. Rodriguez,

As the school year comes to a close, I wanted to write to express my deepest gratitude for everything you've done for me this year. When I walked into your Advanced English Literature class last September, I never imagined how transformative these nine months would be—not just for my academic development, but for my confidence, my worldview, and my sense of myself as a writer and thinker.

I still remember the first day when you asked us to write about a moment that changed how we see the world. I stared at that blank page for what felt like hours, paralyzed by the weight of the question and my own self-doubt. When I finally turned in those halting paragraphs about my grandfather's immigration story, I was shocked by your response. Instead of simply grading my technical skills, you engaged with my ideas, asked thoughtful questions in the margins, and suggested books that connected to themes I'd only begun to explore. That assignment set the tone for a year in which I've felt truly seen and heard.

Before your class, I viewed reading as a chore and writing as a mysterious skill that others possessed but I never would. You've completely changed that perspective. By introducing us to diverse authors and encouraging us to find personal connections with texts, you've shown me that literature isn't some abstract, elite pursuit but a vital conversation about what it means to be human. I never thought I'd voluntarily read poetry on weekends or keep a journal, but here I am, doing both because you've helped me discover the joy in it.

The Toni Morrison unit was particularly meaningful to me. Your passionate teaching of "Beloved" opened my eyes to how literature can confront historical trauma and help us reckon with painful histories. The discussions we had in class—where you created space for difficult conversations while ensuring everyone felt respected—modeled a kind of dialogue I hadn't experienced before. Those conversations helped me understand perspectives beyond my own and gave me tools to think more critically about everything from media representation to historical narratives.

I also want to thank you for pushing me when I needed it. When you returned my midterm paper with that note saying "You're capable of much more than this," I was initially hurt. But our conference afterward, where you outlined specific ways I could deepen my analysis and strengthen my arguments, showed me that your high expectations came from a place of genuine belief in my abilities. The revised version is something I'm truly proud of, and the skills I developed through that process have already helped me in other classes.

Beyond the curriculum, your willingness to share your own story as a first-generation college student has meant more than you know. Hearing about your journey from a public school in East Los Angeles to graduate studies at Columbia helped me believe that my own aspirations aren't unrealistic. When college application anxiety overwhelmed me this winter, our weekly check-ins and your practical advice for approaching essays kept me grounded. I don't think I would have applied to those reach schools without your encouragement—and certainly wouldn't have received acceptances without your guidance on my personal statements.

The independent project you allowed me to pursue this spring—researching the evolution of immigrant narratives in American literature—has been the most intellectually exciting experience of my high school career. Your trust in allowing me to design my own investigation, paired with your thoughtful guidance when I got stuck, exemplifies what makes you such an exceptional teacher. You somehow strike the perfect balance between providing structure and allowing freedom, between offering support and demanding independence.

As I prepare for college next year, I carry with me not just the literary analysis techniques and writing skills you've taught me, but more importantly, the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking habits you've cultivated. I've signed up for a comparative literature course my first semester—something I never would have considered before your class—and find myself genuinely excited about the reading list.

Ms. Rodriguez, teachers like you change lives. You've certainly changed mine. Thank you for creating a classroom where ideas matter, where diverse voices are celebrated, where intellectual risk-taking is encouraged, and where each student feels valued. Thank you for the countless hours you've spent providing detailed feedback on our work, designing engaging lessons, and making yourself available whenever we needed guidance. Your passion for literature and commitment to your students are inspiring.

I promise to continue the habits of mind you've instilled in me—to read widely, think deeply, write boldly, and approach the world with both critical awareness and compassion. I'll carry the lessons from your classroom far beyond high school.