It was the first day of Freshman year, 8th period - I had spent the previous seven miserably bored and lonely, having entered my first year at a full-time school knowing no one from middle school. I walked towards my last period, Honors English, mildly hopeful for my favorite subject but not expecting much. A tall man with a warm smile, a long scarf, and a single rolled-up pant leg displaying his novelty socks greeted me at the door. The room I entered was like another world, an instant escape from the bland halls and classrooms where I had spent the past five hours. It was lit only by a lamp and large window, filled with warm light, and any wall space not covered by bookshelves was littered with artwork, poetry, posters, and the like. The next hour was filled with talk of chocolate milk and first-day activities, although they weren't the usual rubric filling-outs or the "about me" Google Slides. Rather, Mr. A. only had two rules: work hard and be nice. For the next 8 months, I would eagerly await my last period of the day. Mr. A. truly embodied and taught with these values: work hard and be nice. He invited open discussion about important topics and taught engagingly, but most importantly, he created a safe space. His room quickly became one of the only places I felt secure while struggling with mental health issues and trauma. Throughout my Sophomore year, I continued to visit this teacher, as none I had after him compared. He inspired my love for poetry, which became a key aspect of my recovery. As a Junior, I became his teacher's assistant, a role I will continue to take on during my Senior year. I ate lunch in his room when I had no one to sit with and visited in the mornings to do crossword puzzles. During my many hours spent there, not only have I felt the impact of his kindness, but I have witnessed his impact on the many others who frequent his room. He talks to everybody with genuine interest and care for their ideas, stories, and points of view. He never hesitates to do the most for his students and make everybody feel welcome in his classroom. Seeing how he interacts with his students has truly changed how I talk to others, both personally and at work - I work with children and know firsthand the silent struggles students of all ages can experience. Witnessing how Mr. A. has created such a safe space has shaped how I interact with the children I work with. I hope to extend that feeling of safety to all those around me, especially younger children, into my adult life and career, because the impact it has had on me is tremendous.