While I may have just recently graduated, I know when I look back on my days in high school, I’m going to look back on my senior year. I’m going to look back on the friends I made, the memories I will cherish and the places I could call home in the school. One of the biggest reasons that I was able to call many places home at FHN was because of my teachers.

Teachers, advisers and coaches are the ones who create atmospheres and environments for students to live in. It’s up to them. This home that is created is almost always built of student peers, but to initiate this, it’s critical for the teacher to step in.

I found a home in room 026. This was the publications room. It is the reason I am calling out to all teachers now. I can’t count the joyous memories I have had in this room. I have one man to thank. His name is Aaron Manfull. From when I was taught how to be a journalistic writer to a leader and editor, Manfull has always had a spot open for me in 026. An amazing room. So I beg you teachers, curate your classrooms to be a home. Welcome students with open arms. Push their talents and passions in positive directions. You don’t have to befriend every person who walks through your doors or sits at a desk in your classroom, but give effort to students you feel you can relate to their situations and abilities or who maybe don’t have a place they can sit down and relax in the morning.

It’s not even necessary to have a big family for you to be open to students. Make your mark on students’ lives by reaching out to them. Be someone that a kid can say made them who they are today. Several teachers throughout my elementary, middle and high school careers have made me who I am today, and I know that is the case with every other student at the schools I’ve attended. Be the teacher to make a kid’s educational career wonderful. They will remember you forever.