For the first years of my education, I attended Union School in Greene County, Mississippi — a small, rural school where six grades shared one room, and the seventh and eighth grades were together in another. Looking back, it feels almost like a scene from a history book, but for me, it was simply where my love of learning began.

My very first teacher was Mrs. Dorothy Smith, who guided me through primer and first grade. In that one room, we didn’t just learn our own lessons — we listened as Mrs. Smith instructed every class. It was a unique way of learning, one that sparked curiosity and gave us a broader understanding of what lay ahead. Mrs. Smith was loving and caring but also firm when needed. She laid a strong foundation for me, instilling a respect for education and a belief that school was a place of possibility.

As the years went by, other remarkable teachers continued to shape me:

• Mr. Ingram, my sixth-grade teacher, who encouraged me to keep stretching my mind and exploring new ideas.
• Coach Bassett, who showed me compassion after my father passed away. He didn’t just offer words of comfort — he gave me purpose by making me the basketball team’s scorekeeper, letting me feel part of something bigger during a difficult time.
• Mrs. Ann Tucker, whose enthusiasm for teaching was contagious. She inspired us to believe in ourselves and continued to cheer us on long after we left her classroom.
• Mrs. May Ruth Issue, who challenged me to write and speak with clarity and confidence, skills that have served me throughout my life.
• Mrs. Saul, who opened the pages of American History in a way that made the past come alive and connected us to the story of our nation.

Each of these teachers, in their own way, shaped who I became — not just as a student, but as a person and citizen. They didn’t just teach lessons from books; they taught lessons about life, perseverance, kindness, and community.

As I reflect on my journey from a small one-room schoolhouse to the wider world, I carry with me deep gratitude for the educators who believed in me, especially in moments when I struggled or felt uncertain.

To every teacher out there: thank you. Thank you for the long hours, the patience, the encouragement, and the love you pour into shaping young lives. You never truly know how far your influence will reach.

My story began in a humble classroom with wooden desks and chalkboards, but it was filled with hope, inspiration, and dreams — gifts given by teachers whose impact lives on in me today.