On the first day, I began my life as a computer programmer, I was a nervous wreck. I was so excited about the head start of being able to go to a Career and Technology Education (CTE) school in high school that I had forgotten to plan anything for the day. As a 9th grader, I had just made it inside when the realization hit me – I had no idea where I was going, who my teacher was, or even my room number. A wave of panic began to set in as I wandered the halls, almost on the verge of tears as it seemed everyone besides me had already known where they were going ahead of time, and I was the odd one out. I spent far too long searching for my class as the time until the late bell would ring. And then a man with a kind smile approached me and asked if I knew what class I was in or where I was going. Of all the teachers I had passed, he was the first to check up on me. Coincidentally, he would also become my computer programming instructor for the next four years, evolving into the most compassionate father figure I've ever had: Mr. Potter. From the first day I had met Mr. Potter, he was one of the kindest and most reasonable teachers I had known. His class was occasionally strict as to be expected, but he was always so understanding of his students if they were willing to learn. In my first year, I was one of the only girls in a class of 25+ programmers besides a graduating senior who was out of the class more often than in. Despite this fact, Mr. Potter made me feel so safe and welcomed in a class even whenever the others didn’t. Over time, I carved a niche for myself, earning recognition in honors societies and even competing at a national level in computer programming through SkillsUSA. This competition was held in the summer yet even so, he went out of his way to email me his support during this time and tell me how proud he was of me. I worked hard whilst trying to make a place for myself in the workforce, but as independent as I would like to claim I am, I don’t know if I would have been able to persevere through the hard times if I didn't have him supporting me each step of the way like a father would. That first, anxiety-filled day marked the beginning of my journey into computer science. But it also marked the day I met a mentor who would champion my dreams and push me toward goals I hadn't even envisioned. He sought to inspire his students to become the best versions of themselves. I wouldn’t consider anyone else a kinder father figure to myself and many other grateful students, than Mr.Potter.