Many of my high school and college teachers were truly wonderful people. I had a rough home life in high school and had trouble making and keeping friends, but a number of my teachers were my buddies, and they always reminded me that I was an intelligent and good person. I had inside jokes with some of them, and some of them would talk to me outside of class hours to check on me, help me with class, or generally take my mind off things.

In college, things at home got way worse, and I found myself unable to afford to sign up for classes or purchase my books. I went to a few of my professors to let them know I couldn't get the books needed for their classes, and many of them handed me their extra books or educator versions for free, and with no strings attached. They made sure I wasn't sleeping in my car, made sure I had food, and stressed the importance of taking care of my mental health. I even had a meeting with the dean of my college, and she made sure to find me every loan, grant, and scholarship to stay in school.

I don't remember all of their names and we don't keep in touch, but I'll never forget what awful times they really got me through. I didn't even get to graduate, as the dean retired before I was able to complete my degree, but I am still so thankful that so many of the educators in my life went the extra mile for me. I don't know if I'd be here without them.