Entering my first semester of senior year at Arrowhead High School, I never expected that my seventh hour British Literature (Brit Lit) class would become one of my most beloved class out of high school or that it would have my favorite teacher. Mrs. Passler, is the ideal image of a sweet and adorable English teacher. Walking in to my first Brit Lit class, I was greeted with a warm smile from a short brown haired woman paired kind brown eyes. I’ll never forget how she started her class with “Welcome sweet peas!” From that moment, I knew Mrs. Passler was a different kind of teacher and that I already liked her.

British Literature seems like a subject that could be boring to most. Before I had Mrs. Passler’s class, the only exposure I had to British Literature was Romeo and Juliet by the one and only Shakespeare. Reflecting on how I did not understand a single phrase Shakespeare wrote, my expectations to enjoy Brit Lit were low. But shortly after having a few classes with the passionate and energetic Mrs. Passler, my previous low expectations were proven wrong. Once, Mrs. Passler let a student teach the class and sat in a desk as if she were a student. She was the most down to earth teacher I have ever had.

Mrs. Passler made British Literature exciting and something worthy to be cared about.  The way she beamed on what romantic traits were, or what steps made up the hero’s journey made it impossible not to listen to her or be entertained by her lessons.

I like to think of my Brit Lit class as the Disney World of classes—it was the happiest place for me during the school day. After a stressful morning with subjects consisting of math (my least favorite) and Ap European History, going to Brit Lit felt like the first breath of air after drowning in water.

Mrs. Passler made class a place where I could relax, absorb, and enjoy the material taught. I never once felt anxious about homework or my grade in Brit Lit—like the way I felt in other classes. With Mrs. Passler’s up-beat and genuine positive attitude, she made it feel like I wasn’t being forced to learn about something because I had to, but because I wanted to.

My Brit Lit class was filled with rather interesting and opinionated students. Many class periods were spent having intellectual discussions about topics such as: the symbolism in  Beowulf and the meaning behind Macbeth. With having a class filled with students who share the same level of excitement as Mrs. Passler, the discussions would often get off track. Mrs. Passler remained patient with us and allowed us to explore and voice our ideas.

Above all, Mrs. Passler seemed genuinely happy with her profession being a Brit Lit teacher. There was never a day there wasn’t a smile on her face or didn’t radiate positivity (seemingly impossible to the average human). Mrs. Passler encompassed everything I wanted to be in the future. Being a senior in high school, I am at a place where the outside world is right ahead of me—my adult life is about to begin. And while I’m terrified of the unknown, Mrs. Passler is proof to me that you can make a living out of something you love.  

By the end of first semester, 7th period would be a class I would not forget. Mrs. Passler is the best teacher I have ever had. Witnessing her kindness and enthusiasm she exonerated everyday, inspired me to improve my attitude not only towards school but to life itself. Thank you Mrs. Passler, for teaching me not only Brit Lit but how to be a better version of myself.