Every year since kindergarten, I have had my least favorite subject, Math. Whether it was geometry, algebra or even just simple math, that is the one class I have struggled with the most—and I’m sure a lot of people can agree with me. In the middle of the year, after losing a teacher, Mrs. Cockerham stepped up and became our new algebra teacher. After not knowing anyone or really anything after retiring, she became a big part of both my grade and the math department overall. It’s a big step up from some people, and she played a good part in filling Mrs. Bevan’s role.

Every single day, no matter her mood or how loud the class got, she was always willing to help out. Whether it’s when I bomb a test and need extra credit or just a simple assignment, she is always there. Having the opportunity to meet someone so welcoming and being able to have her as my teacher for one of my least favorite classes is beyond exciting.

Although Mrs. Cockerham is leaving again after this year, I am glad to have been able to have a teacher like her. Everyone deserves that welcoming presence and the feeling that someone does care, even with a difficult class like algebra.