The Fab FourIn high school I had four teachers who were very important to my success. High school was a good time for me with all my sports, music activities, and Student Council, but it was also very hard. I didn't have many friends. Additionally, I was so worried about school and “getting the grade,” that I often felt very stressed. I also went through a period of a couple of years where I was quite depressed. These four teachers helped me through my difficult times mostly just by being there to listen. I loved their classes too, but I think more than anything they influenced me because I liked them as people and I knew they believed in me. I truly believe that if a student likes a teacher, feels a connection with them, and can develop a relationship, they will be much more interested in the material, care more, and do better. The first two of these teachers, Mr. Oftedahl and Mr. Vepraskas (Mr. O and Mr. V), were the directors of my band and choir. What amazing people! I love music and often use it as a form of escape or healing during difficult times. Mr. O and Mr. V were always there to listen to me and offer me whatever comfort they could. I could talk to them like real people, on an adult level. They didn't treat me like a kid with just childish problems. They were very sincere when talking to me and were also very talented musicians. Even though they were my teachers, I know that I can talk to them and that they are more than my teachers: they are my friends. Their friendship and open door were what I needed most at that time in my life. The other two high school teachers who were influential were equally helpful as Mr. O and Mr. V, always willing to listen, but they were more . Thanks to these two teachers, I not only knew I wanted to teach, but they helped me realize what I wanted to teach. Señorita Brown was my freshman and sophomore Spanish teacher. I fell in love with Spanish when I started studying it in seventh grade with the dream of one day traveling to Spain. Señorita Brown helped me realize that not only did I love Spanish, but that I was talented in the language and could help others.