Once on a troubled path, Dr. Victor Rios credits a teacher for helping him turn his life around. Now a professor, he reflects on the power of educators to transform lives and how the Black Lives Matter movement can inspire learning.

Amid pandemic challenges, Ken Futernick shares stories of hope and hardship, urging action to help those facing unbearable obstacles.

High school biology teacher Rachell Auld shares her journey of teaching and connecting with students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story reveals the challenges, rewards, and resilience that define this unprecedented time in education.

When Crawford High School closed due to COVID-19, many families lacked internet access and technology for online learning. Led by student body president Tina Tran, a group of students worked together with a teacher to help bridge the gap and support their community.

At just 14 years old, Mahboba Ansari fled Afghanistan seeking a better future, arriving in Modesto, California in 2016. With the guidance of her high school teacher Lindsey Bird, Mahboba overcame challenges and earned acceptance to UC Davis, where she begins her journey in fall 2020.

Robert Nelsen was content to work on his ranch in Montana and to ride in the rodeo.  As "punishment" for being a "smart ass," Nelsen's high school teacher made him apply for college. Now Dr. Nelsen is now president of one of California's largest public universities. 

As a child, Karina Figueroa-Ramirez had never encountered a teacher who shared her cultural background until 7th grade. Her Latinx English teacher encouraged her love of books, listened to her, and inspired her to envision a brighter future—an impact Karina is now paying forward nearly 20 years later.