Teachers deserve our respect
During high school, there are always a few teachers with whom students have a better connection with than the rest. Students end up going to these teachers with their problems, or the students tend to have more respect for the way these teachers teach their classes and talk to them.
Miles Smith, my 11th-grade English teacher at Lindhurst High School, has made the biggest impact on my life. He not only is the nicest guy you could possibly meet, but he is willing to bend over backward to help anyone get through his class. He gives inspirational talks every morning; he even gives us quotes and explains each one to us in detail. Some students might think differently of him, but the more you get to know him, the deeper your conversations get and you are bound to learn something.
The other day in class, he said, "I know I'm a boring teacher, but bear with me." He has said this numerous times when I was present, and I wish that students would take the time to embrace what he is trying to instill in us as young adults, because he is anything but boring.
Smith is not only an excellent teacher, but he goes all out to get the kids involved. Whenever there is a play going on, he invites students to join him. The plays are inspirational — some are musicals, others are based on true stories and some are even comedies. The students who go always leave with a smile on their faces.
Another person at LHS who has made a big impact on my life is Sherri Dwyer. She is a counselor. I met her my first day at Lindhurst last year, when I was transferring from a school in Texas. I walked in determined to get my way, and I had one of the worst attitudes you could imagine. She put up with me that day but made it clear that my bad attitude would get me nowhere in life.
Dwyer made it possible for me to get classes that I really wanted but assured me that I won't always get what I want, and that I needed to learn some respect. She walked me through college preparations and still talks to me about everything that's going on to make sure I'm doing OK.
People may think that's just what counselors do, but I have to admit I'm blessed to have her in my life, because without her, I wouldn't be graduating a year ahead of my class. I've thanked her before for everything, but because I know she will be reading this, I'd like her to know she's an amazing person, as well as all the other counselors who helped me.
To the students who disrespect teachers, who act like the teachers are there to serve you: take notice. The teachers at LHS are more than just teachers. They can show you so much more than your little heart desires. They can be a shoulder to lean on when things get tough. There are even some teachers who will change your lives, so respect them like they deserve.
Ashley Hickey is a senior at Lindhurst High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.
