My Mentor

 Dear teacher,

There are so many things I wish I had done differently. I wish I had asked that question or put a little more effort into that paper. I wish I had paid a little more attention to everything you had said. I wish I had told you how much you meant to me more often. I wish... I wish... I wish..

So for all those times, let me now tell you exactly how I feel. 

To me you were everything. You were my teacher, friend, mentor and a parent. You taught me, guided me, motivated me and above all inspired me. You made me want to do better. You made me want to be somebody. You made me believe I could be somebody. I cannot thank you enough for all these roles you played because it has made me who I am. 

You had so high expectations that sometimes it scared me. You wouldn't accept anything but the best I could offer. But when you started taking the time to review my work and point out my mistakes, I realised I didn't have to do it alone. I knew you would be there to help me when I am stuck. You taught me to not settle down for mediocrity.

You taught me to question the lies. To find out the answers for my self. You taught me that there is more than what meets the eye. And above all you taught me to question others when they are wrong, even if it's frightening. 

I thank you for all those times you stayed motivated to teach me even when I was unresponsiveness, sleepy or disappointing. I thank you for teaching me even on days you weren't on high spirits or in pain. I thank you for telling me all the little things that changed my life. 

Thank you. Thank you for every smile, class, piece of advice and kind words. Thank you for all the encouragement and opportunities. You were never just a teacher. You were the whole reason I attended my classes. You were my favorite part about learning. You are forever in my heart. 

I know I should have told you all this everyday, but I just assumed you knew. 

You are my hero

With all the love in my heart,

Yours truly,

Your student.

This is dedicated to the two most amazing teachers I know-

Dr Ujjwal Rabidas & Prof. V. Yoga Jyotsana

Ujjwal Sir,

You will forever be missed. I am so sorry that I never got to tell you how you inspired me to find my heritage and learn about my culture. You made me love my history. You taught me to dig up the stories of my ancestors. For the first time I read more about where I came from. I am so grateful to you for that.

Yoga ma'am,

Having you as my teacher has changed me in ways I can't express. You have inspired me to bring about a change in the world. You have taught me to make my mark. I will not let you down. And thank you for sticking up for us all those times we let you down. You offered your help in ways nobody had ever offered to help. Thank you for all this and more. We will miss you.