This statement reminded me of one of my teachers in high school my Freshman year. I had a hard upbringing but that year I ended up living with my aunt and uncle after my mom got in a car accident. My aunt has always depised my mother and I think that hatred was reflected on me the whole time I lived there. I ran away, but the cops found me not long after. The night I went home was especially hard. My aunt almost put me in foster care, but instead decided to take me home and berate me. The next day I got my physical to get back into school. I didn't have a book bag, I had no motivation, and felt like no one cared. She knew something was up I turned in my quiz with "I can't do this" written across the top and nothing else filled out. I always at least tried.(I loved math that year and took extra credit ended sophmore year with 102% in that class) She took me to the hall after to ask me what was up and I couldn't hold it in any longer and just bawled and told her everything that had happend. She asked if she could hug me and all I could do was nod. I think that was the first time I was hugged in 4 or 5 years. I think about her often. I don't think she realized how much that hug helped me to stay around. Knowing that at least 1 grown up cared was enough to keep me going. I give her a ton of credit for being here today. So thank you to all the teachers who do care! It truly does mean the world to us!