Thirty years ago I walked into a Utah high school as a new teacher. Principal John Gourley gave me a $200 budget, a $10,000 salary and said he wanted the best law, economics and forensics program in Utah. Some thought it impossible that children from a small blue-collar community of steel workers and farmers could succeed at that level. I believed they could, and these children did amazing things measured by any standard.

Fortunately, I had some great mentors who taught me early on that every child is important and all children can succeed if given the right help and enough time. I have seen the children who struggled in school and those who flourished. I came to know that each has special gifts and talents. We have some the greatest young people in all the world right here in Utah!

The recent fire at Wasatch Junior High in the Granite District demonstrated how much the people in that community valued their school. In every part of Utah you can find that same pride. Each Utah college and university plays a special role in serving the people of Utah. I believe the people of Utah have good reason to be proud of their schools at every level. There is always room for improvement but, every once in a while, it is good to pause and be thankful.

We have come a long way in Utah since October of 1847, when a 17-year-old girl taught the first class in a tent. Things have improved a lot since John Taylor was the superintendent of Utah schools. We have made great strides since 1850 when Brigham Young organized the "University of Deseret," which is now the University of Utah.

I have visited with educators across the nation and around the world. This month leaders from around the globe will meet in Washington, D.C., to discuss issues related to planning for colleges and universities throughout the world. Compared to most people in this world, we have it very good in Utah, and we want to always make things better, as has every generation. Certainly there will be differences along the way, as there always have been. The annals of Utah history are filled with stories of struggle.

As I reflect back over 30 years and look forward to the future, my heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve the great people of Utah. I appreciate all the taxpayers have done to build and support good schools. I appreciate all that good legislators, civic leaders, trustees, school board members and regents have done.

I appreciate all the good volunteers in the PTA and other organizations do. I appreciate the dedicated faculty, administrators, counselors and staff who go the extra mile to serve. I appreciate the parents who are so supportive. I appreciate the good business people of Utah. In many, many ways these people give more than most ever know.

Again, to the great people of Utah, this is one educator who feels grateful and is honored for the opportunity to serve you these past 30 years. I look forward to school starting again this fall.

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E. Mark Bezzant is the assistant vice president of strategic planning, institutional research, institutional effectiveness, partnerships and student services at Utah Valley State College.