As I'm sure everyone says, I truly work in the best place, with the most impactful students. Last fall, I finished up my student teaching and was days away from moving to Florida when I was approached about a desperate need in a 1st grade classroom at another school in the district. I accepted the position and struggled initially. Most of my students come from low income/struggling homes, are new comers to the country, or are in other very unique hardships. Many of my students went home at the end of the day to cabinets without food and washers that didn't work. This was a very hard adjustment but one that truly changed my life. These kids became my world; I learned to advocate hard for the things they need and deserve, I learned to fight for equity, I learned the value of showing up at art shows or sporting events, I learned the joy in the small things, I learned truly how important community is.