March 17

     In just a couple of hours, it will be St. Patrick's Day. I honestly don't know the point of this holiday, I just know that I am supposed to wear green to avoid getting pinched, and that it has something to do with short people with red beards. It is honestly a very strange holiday in my eyes. But when I see March 17, I don't think "That's St. Patrick's Day." I think, "That is the birthday of one of the most inspirational, funny, caring, beautiful and powerful women I have ever met." I guess you could say I'm "lucky" to have met her. (St. Patty's Day pun intended.) I honestly don't know how I could even begin to describe the way that Mrs. Hall has impacted my life. She built up my confidence, and told me I would become someone great, that I was someone great. She helped me realize my potential in writing, even though I haven't really used it for anything worth while yet. I am sad to say that it has been nearly two years since the last time I saw her, yet, I still think about her everyday. She is one of my idols.
     Many kids my age when asked, "What are some of your favorite elementary school memories?" They come up with stories of crazy things they did with their friends. Bonfires. Stuff like that. When I'm asked that, I think about diving off of a diving board for the first time in 4th grade, even though I was terrified, because I saw her waiting for me at the bottom. Believing in me. I think of sneaking into her classroom to do the Harlem Shake with my sixth grade class. I think about waking up at 3 in the morning to be on t.v. for 10 seconds with her, and falling asleep on her classroom floor as soon as we were done. I remember having conversations to myself about whatever was on Valeria's desk that made her laugh for 3 minutes straight before she could continue teaching. Watching Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc, and enjoying them more than I usually would. I think about seeing her standing there at my sixth grade graduation, and feeling completely overrun with happiness and pride that someone like her, would be there for me.
     Mrs. Hall is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Happy, happy birthday. I hope it is as wonderful as you are.