Being a teacher is not for the fainthearted. The hours can be incredibly long, the stress crushing, the endless marking mind-numbing. But every once in while you get a little encouragement. I got this a couple of months ago, and thought I would post it. I hope its author, now at the University of Toronto, won’t mind.

Dear Sir:

I’m leaving for Canada tomorrow, the first of September. Before departing, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you have given me. By everything, I mean your guidance, support, dedication and inspiration.

Thank you for guiding me in class, showing me how to behave as a student and a proper citizen of the world, being useful and helpful to society; putting others before myself. It is one of the most useful things that you have equipped me with.

Thank you for your support. I remember the times when you were willing to use up some of your time to spend with me, in hope that I am able to produce a piece of work that lives up to your standard. Yes, you may say that it is part of your duty as a teacher, but because you do it with so much passion and dedication, the support I’ve received from you means so much more.

Thank you for your dedication sir. You’ve always been one of the teachers I look up to, even after leaving your class after my first semester. You are definitely a hardworking teacher, always wanting to go the extra mile, not wanting to stop short of your own expectations. Always being one to make us finish our work on time, just so you can do yours, I really admire that. 🙂

Thank you for being my inspiration. Your commitment to Christ through serving the community in Cambodia along with your wife, is an inspiration to me. I strive to become like you, always willing to serve Christ, and do whatever it takes to be His salt and light. I thank God for bringing you into my life, as it has given me the motivation and impacted me to serve Him well.

Sir, THANK YOU. I wish you all the best in all that you do, be it your career, your relationships with family and friends, as well as your health. I hope to meet you in the future, hoping to make you proud.

Regards,