I first met Ms.Burns during my freshman year of high school. That year was a big turning point for me since I was fresh out of middle school still trying to figure out who I was. If I’m being honest freshman year was basically my “standout phase” where I was just doing whatever I wanted. During this phase I was wearing outfits that weren't school appropriate like super short shorts and crop tops without caring. But one day Ms.Burns stopped me in the hallway and at first I thought she was going to be just like all the other teachers trying to correct me like they would, instead she didn’t come at me in a rude or crazy way. She told me how gorgeous I looked but she also told me that I did have to fix my shirt because it wasn't dress code. Of course I respected her at that moment because something about Ms.Burns energy made me actually listen without feeling attacked or judged. That simple moment may seem small but it was the start of something greater. After that Ms.Burns didn’t see me as “that student who needed to fix their outfit”. She started checking in on me and made sure I was okay and doing good in school. Ms.Burns showed general care in a way that felt real to me. I started feeling more comfortable around her like I could speak with no worries or nothing. I opened up to say good morning, asking about her day, and just having small conversations. As I was moving up grade levels I didn’t realize how important Ms.Burns was going to become in my life. As a gay male student I had some insecurities and things I didn’t like about myself. To be honest I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin yet. But every time I was around Ms.Burns, she made me feel more accepted without even trying. Ms.Burns never judged me, never treated me differently, and never made me feel like I had to change who I am just to be confident. Ms.Burns' class room became a space where I could breathe and just be myself. I could talk, ask questions, and open up about stuff I normally wouldn’t. Ms.Burns really became a safe space for me without even labeling it that way. During the end of my junior year, I had hit a wall that was made by a boy I liked. I thought it was going to be the hardest thing I would have to deal with but Ms.Burns was there for me. She listened without judging me and helped me push through instead of giving up. That support meant more than she probably even knows. Even now in my senior year, Ms.Burns still plays a big role in my life. She continues to teach me and pushes me to strive for excellence, she helps with all the college decisions I have to face, and still continues to help me with personal issues. Ms.burns still never make me forget and remind me of my strengths like being smart, kind and confident especially when I don’t always see it myself. Because of Ms.Burns, I’m way more comfortable with who I am today. She didn’t just help me as a student, she helped me grow as a person and for that I will always appreciate Ms.Burns.