Dear Amy, You saw something in me that others didn’t. You took me seriously when they all thought I was kidding. You didn’t blink an eye when I came to class with 3 backpacks. You graded my papers fair and square and I really liked that. You didn’t even mind when I brought my pet rat to class. You led me through some rough times, and without you I doubt I’d have passed. I’m so thankful I ever met you, you treated me like a person. When I was broke and homeless you were my constant through all the pain I was immersed in. There were times I couldn’t speak to my own blood and you stepped in to help. Thank you for meeting privately with my mom, I never got a chance to say that out loud. Thanks for reading all my essays. Thanks for being there when no one else could. I remember one time I was short on bus money and you gave me some even though I swore I was good. Thanks for paying attention, even if you had an off day. Thanks for giving me all that direction, without you I might have been swayed. I remember the summer after senior year, when I came to your house to pick up my diploma, the last time I saw you your family cooked you a nice salmon dinner but you made the time to tell me I mattered. I graduated and got a job, but I never forgot what you did. You made me feel human when no one else could , I don’t think you even knew how much love you gave this once hopeless kid. -Maya

am i a child or a gangster