Now I’m back in high school, but on the other side of the desk 

As told to Perel Stone

Monday, September 13

I

 can’t believe I’m a teacher. After Mrs. Taub made such an enormous impact on my life, I wanted to be the kind of teacher who would always see the best in my students and make them feel special and cared about.

I often wonder what would have become of me if not for Mrs. Taub. My teachers in high school would never have believed I was once a girl who spent more time in the principal’s office than in the classroom, or that I ever hadn’t had friends.

I loved high school. A lot of teachers helped me believe in myself and they are role models for the kind of teacher I want to be. I’m blown away by the power a teacher has to affect her students, and I so badly want to use that influence in the best way possible.

I was lucky to nab one of the few teaching slots in my old high school after I got my teaching certification. Now I’m back in high school, but on the other side of the desk — as a teacher instead of as a student. No matter how busy I am, I try to be available for any girl who wants to talk to me, since I know how important it is.