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By Grayson Ford
I am almost finished with college. After next semester, I will complete the core requirements for my degrees in economics and political science. My previous blog posts focused on a topic or ideas I thought were interesting, but I want this one to be different. I simply want to thank all of my teachers and mentors who deserve so much more. I would not have made it as far as I have without them--and I know they expect me to do even greater things.
To Mrs. Sutherland,
I remember entering your class as a timid freshman and thinking “I definitely need to be in the less advanced section.” You were tough on us. I think last semester I actually understood what you were trying to do. You no doubt are a phenomenal math teacher, but I will remember you as the teacher who pushes students beyond what is expected of them. You held more tutoring sessions than anyone and genuinely cared about our improvement. You inspire me to this day to not waste my talents or time. I will always appreciate that-- your most important lesson.
To Mrs. Etheridge,
You and your family have always supported me in every single way. I really can't thank you enough for your kindness over the years. Thank you for all of the paper edits, advice, letters of recommendation, and general support over the years. I know I did not deserve to have a teacher as invested in my success as you were, so thank you.
To Benard,
You would not allow me to call you professor when I was your student, so I think it would be inappropriate to do so now. Thank you for teaching me how to write. I am sure you could still mark up my writings like you did in Humanities and English. But you were the first person who taught me the difference between unorganized word vomit and decent academic writing. To this day, I think of you when using an in-text citation. You were personable, professionable, knowledgeable, and I am proud to call you one of my favorite professors.
To Mrs. Jones,
You were the first real mentor I had that encouraged me to take a step out of my comfort zone and do things in leadership. You took a shy kid in the back of a DECA chapter meeting and gave him the confidence to get elected to state office twice and become chapter president. I owe so much to you. I really feel without your guidance and pushing I would not be as confident today and probably would not have a scholarship focused around leadership. I wish I could have been your student longer, but you already gave me way more than I deserved.
To Aunt Robin,
You ignited my passion for politics and government at my very first KYA. You are probably the reason I study political science today. You were the best Y Advisor any kid could have asked for. I know so many of your students owe their improved abilities in leadership, speaking, and writing to you. I still have my committee chair gavel that I received from my last KYA. I treasure it as I treasured having you as my advisor for seven years.
To Mrs. Thomas,
No one has had more of an impact on me becoming a McConnell Scholar than you. You encouraged me to apply for my first McConnell Center Young Leaders Academy and changed my life. Your constant checking-in and belief in me is something I cannot repay. The fact that this thank you is being written on my McConnell Center blog is very appropriate. Plus, the fact that Joel and I both are both McConnell Scholars and Sigma Chis is pretty cool!
To Mr. Jake Wallace,
I could not have asked for a better senior year advisor than you. You did so much for all of us behind the scenes that often went unnoticed by those above you but never unappreciated by your students. You made sure that each student, despite their financial situations, would be able to attend nationals. Thank you for being my friend, Coach Jake.
To Mrs. Futrell,
I have never met someone in public education that makes students smile more than you. You were the perfect guidance counselor because you always gave it to people straight. My mom always loved that about you, too. I know your job can be a headache (especially with all the extra responsibilities like monitoring the ACT which I have never understood), but you have impacted so many students more than you will ever know.
To Coach Burcham,
Thank you for caring about us. I know that your job is probably one that causes more headaches than most. But I hope you know that every day I think about how you always expected us to “do the work, do what’s right, and be somebody.” Thank you for believing in us, not everyone did or does.
To Mrs. Adams,
The fact that you endured all of my endless questions (in hindsight, ones with obvious answers), when I was in your college-level biology class is a true testament to your kindness. I should have focused more, but I hate science. The fact that I can hate a subject so much but remember the teacher so fondly is incredible to me. Thank you for always smiling and for not sending me to the office when I lit that kleenex on fire.
Grayson Ford is a McConnell Scholar in the Class of 2021. He is studying political science and economics at the University of Louisville.