I remember her like it was yesterday...
Being in 6th grade was tough enough but not knowing what to expect was even tougher. Beginning a new school and making new friends can really hurt a kid. I remember when I saw her I knew I was going to like her. She obviously knew that first impressions counted because I was happy with what I saw. I saw what I thought and soon learned to know was a women with a sweet face and a very knowing character. She was holding a sign that said 621. "That's my class I thought." She might have seen me looking when she asked if I was supposed to be in 621. I sat down on the table and just stared. The funny thing was I didn't know I was staring until she smiled. She told the class her name was Ms. Paralikas and she was going to be our homeroom teacher. "Great" was all I could think. As the day went on she told us what to expect, what we were going to go through and she told us "Don't be intimidated by the 8th graders," they just want to be tough. I liked her since the first day of school and even up to now that I'm an eighth grader and on the verge of graduating. I still like her today and thanked her for all she's done. She's really done a lot and she has inspired me. She's inspired me to always try my best and never give up. Follow with what I believe in and never let no one bring me down.
And what I know is that if I didn't have her on the first day of school, I wasn't going to be me. I was going to be someone else.... Like a lesser version of me now. But I'm glad where I am now.
Thanks Ms. Paralikas, I'll never forget you and I'm grateful for all you've done. Nothing can describe why I respect you so much... but maybe this thank you will do it.
-Nicole Frangomihalos
8th gade, IS 141