I have never been one who thought my writing was good. Never had I thought I would have a chance to publish or even enjoy writing. All my English teachers made me feel like I was on a leash when it came to writing. But there was one teacher who changed it all for me — Elizabeth Jorgensen, my creative writing teacher. Not only did she make classes fun, but she also was passionate and caring when it came to her students and her job.

Never have I seen a teacher care so much about her students’ writing. In the past, my teachers didn’t care to look at my work and correct it. They never felt the need to help me or show me how to get better — they just expected me to find out on my own. But not Ms. J. Since I started this class, Ms. J has helped me write multiple poems and has helped me become a better writer.

Ms. J hands us opportunities. In every assignment, we have we have a chance to be published. She sends every student's work into multiple writers’ markets. She also tells us about extra credit assignments. Ms. J gives us the opportunity to get our writing out there and get the experience of being a published writer — which has always excited me.

I’m the type of student who lives by extra credit. When I asked Ms. J to look at one of my extra credit poems, the first thing she said was “Yeah of course, I’ll get right on that.” Most teachers would have taken at least a week. But Ms. J looked at it and helped me finish it by the end of class that day. She doesn’t wait around and expect you to just know what you're doing. Instead, she helps you get there.

Not only does Ms. J support her students, but she also supports her sister, Gwen Jorgensen. Gwen Jorgensen is a professional triathlete and a two-time US Olympian. Ms. J is always excited when it comes to talking about her sister. She loves showing us how Gwen does after her races, updating us on what Gwen's doing next, and telling us about the amazing experiences Gwen goes through. From my view, I see it as Ms. J inspiring us. By sharing about her sister, she’s telling us we all have potential to be great. We don’t have to be great now, but we can get there just by trying — just like her sister did. And we know she has our backs and she will be there to help us along the way.

She also does her own writing — like the article she published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Mr. J is one of the busiest teachers I’ve met. But she manages to correct every piece of her student's work, go to Gwen’s races and complete her own writing. Ms. J taught me it's possible to have a busy life and still be happy. She is practically a superhero and I still can’t figure out how she manages to do it all.

Because of Ms. J, I have the confidence to write about what I want and feel good about it. I don’t have to worry about being held back — because when it comes to creative writing, Ms. J has taught me there isn’t a limit on creativity.

I’ve learned more from her in just a few weeks than I have in the last 11 years of English classes. This is why Elizabeth Jorgensen is my teacher of not only the year, but also the teacher who I will remember for the rest of my life.