« I have had the pleasure of knowing Dillon as a student in her English class, and later in life as a friend and advisor. When we first met, it was 2003 and I was a mere 7th grader and I had been assigned to her English class. Dillon is one of those few teachers who have a monumental impact on one’s life, and who you always look back fondly on as influencing future career options and academic work. She never settled for anything less than her expectations of the students, and always insisted on quality work. The students and I received comprehensive and thorough instruction in English reading, writing, and grammar, and by the end of the term, even those students who usually neglect the use of proper grammar had significantly improved. Her insistence on proper grammar and advanced writing has shaped my rhetoric and writing for further success in high school and college, and on standardized tests; I scored near perfect on the ACT English section, and above the 90th percentile on the verbal portion of the GRE. Not only did Dillon provide substantial, understandable, and relatable instruction, but she also identified with the students in the class, and would always provide help to those who asked. Getting on the good side of a class of urban 7th graders is no small feat, but Dillon soon became a class and seventh grade favorite, with most of the students electing to talk to her and staying in class instead of going outside for recess. I would greatly and sincerely encourage you to work with Dillon, as teachers these days that are wholeheartedly committed to their teaching and their students’ constant improvement and thriving are rare occurrences. Dillon is the embodiment of such qualities, and you would be wise to not pass her up. »