Time Magazine named President Barack Obama Person of The Year for 2012. It has upset and angered many Americans. It has overjoyed many Americans also. I personally have no feelings either way on their selection of the Person of The Year for 2012. I do have a suggestion though for the 2013 Person Of The Year.
In 2011, Time Magazine named the protestor as Person of The Year... citing that the protestor changed the world, while fighting for their rights and liberties. And while that's true, they aren't the only goup of people that can change the world.
There is a large forgotten group of people who are hard working, loyal, and dedicated to changing the world... by edcuating our children, helping them see the world, showing them all the options that are out there, helping to shape their futures and inspire them. These people work long hard hours, oftentimes giving up much of their own personal time, and their own money to help our children move foward in this life. They go largely unappreciated, and unrecognized, and are taken for granted more often than not. They don't shout for recognition or praise, they don't demand anything, they don't refuse anyone. They just quietly go about being a teacher, parent, friend, confidant, coach, and protector to our children, all the while going unnoticed by many. The only time we notice the incredible sacrifices they make, on a daily basis, is when they are no longer around to make those sacrifices.
Many kids, of all ages, have good, strong homes and families in our country. But many also do not, and that's usually when their teachers step in. Teachers provide stability, motivation, love, and discpline, no matter if a parent or parent figure is around to provide that or not. Many kids receive a good education, a good foundation, because their teacher makes sure they are eating their food, doing their homework, and staying out of trouble. They are there, regardless if a parents is or not, to help guide their students down a path that will lead them to a bright promising future. And while some of those students fall off that path, many have stayed on that path... and lots of times, the only thing keeping them from falling off that path to a brighter future was their teacher.
My child has been blessed to have had wonderful, involved, and dedicated teachers in her life. And while her dad and I have given her a good home, her teachers have helped us give her an even better life. I have no doubt she wouldn't be where she is today without the help of her teachers.
So, I suggest for Time Magazine's Person of The Year 2013, they recognize the teacher. The quiet, dedicated, hardworking, and oftentimes forgotten soul that has been helping shape and change this world for hundreds of years.
Mariah Smith