I was the odd kid.

Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

Narrowing it down to just one teacher is difficult! I had many teachers in my life that influenced me greatly. I had a very rough childhood which made me into the odd kid, the quiet kid, the obedient kid, the people pleaser.

Names are hard for me! This is what I remember.

In fifth grade my teacher stood up for me to my dad. That was not only a turning point in my life, it is a core memory of me realizing that my dad didn’t treat the outside world the way he treated us at home.

In the ninth grade I didn’t have money for a graduation dress. My science teacher took me to the atm and got out cash and gave it to me. I was so excited to go to the mall to get a dress!! I had never had someone be so kind and trusting of me. I remember the feeling of being confidently trusted without question, more than anything in the world, and I spent every penny on my dress and shoes. Her confidence in me set the tone for my life! I knew I always wanted people to trust me, and know I would do the right thing without question. That feeling was so empowering! I was surrounded by people daily that were not that way. I always knew I was not like them. I wanted to be a good person.

I could just go on all day!! I’ve had a lot of people come into my life that have been a positive influence! I call them my angels.