Why do teachers put themselves out there for their students?

I graduate from my student teaching practicum tomorrow, and the students are having a little party for me. They wrote cards saying how proud they are of me for putting myself out there for them. I'm confused.<br><br>I'm a teacher who is thrilled to teach her content, but I also need all students to behave. I don't go out of my way to be an "awesome" teacher. I do not do "cool teacher" things, I do not throw parties, I do not do anything that is supposed to make me look like a teacher who does more than just teach- because my students are not my buddies. They're humans, and I do not want to be their buddy or their friend.<br><br>I have been recognized for running a tight classroom, making content that the other teachers wish they could make, and for being unbiased in my teaching, grading, etc. But I don't do anything "above and beyond the call of duty" for my students. I just teach and grade. I do not give hugs or high fives. They are not my friends. I do treat them with respect, but I do not go out of my way to make them happy or comfortable.<br><br>I have been told by other teachers to do things for the students- "go out of your way for them," "show how much you care," "by the way you talk to them, I can tell that you care so much about them," or "sometimes, our classes are the highlight of their day." I have been told that other teachers love their students and that's what makes them such great teachers. It's like they are saying that I am a terrible teacher because I am a person first, and a teacher second.