It was comforting to know I had a teacher who could guide me during my high school career. During my sophomore year, I had the pleasure to be placed in Dr. Carlozzi’s Spanish class. The energy that encased the classroom created a comforting feeling. As the year progressed, we seemed to form a bond. Dr. Carlozzi was different from any teacher I had previously. She was an educator that taught me the principles of communication and standing up to your greatest challenger, your subconscious. With others, I remained quiet and introverted, rarely revealing my true personality. I remained sitting in the back of the classroom, diligent and timid, but eager to speak my opinion. The shell that surrounded my true personality began to unfold in her classroom. I felt safe there. She understood my hesitation to put myself out there and offered advice and assistance. Although her class centered around teaching Spanish vocabulary, she didn't hesitate to have honest conversations. On Monday mornings we performed meditation to start the day off with clear minds. We openly discussed taxes, cultural differences, and racial profiling. Dr. Carlozzi made a point to use her role as an educator for the greater good. I strive to create a classroom environment that imitates the positive ways she would connect with the students. Even though school is significant for development, it can often lack the teachings that can broaden vulnerable children's minds. The American school system relies on memorization and pumping out good employees. The system is the opposite of what it takes to be successful in future careers. We learn to not make a mistake, do as we are told, and there is only one right answer. It leaves children to grow up to be confused and paralyzed by the rules and regulations of the workforce. Dr. Carlozzi challenged this convention, thus releasing young adults' spirit for learning. Her class molds the vision I have for my classroom; to challenge convention and revive the spirit of learning. One discussion that resonated with me was through a metaphor about shellfish. There she held in her hand an oyster. She explained how the pearl begins its life through irritation. A piece of grit makes its way into the oyster and slowly irritates the being. As irritation becomes more unbearable, it begins to build a radiant pearl. The lesson instilled in me was to become a pearl, one must feel uncomfortable. Irritation and putting yourself out there can feel strenuous. In these moments of irritation, you may long for comfort and harmony. This is just preparation, forcing you to become a pearl.