Several years ago I wrote a class motto that breathes my philosophy of teaching. “Today is a good day and I am glad to be here. I want to learn all that I can.” My students are taught that learning is like a huge puzzle that grows as long as they keep learning. Every new concept they learn is another piece to add to their learning puzzle. I believe in encouraging and challenging students to learn all that they can and to do their best in spite of negative situations. Students are gifts waiting to be unwrapped and opened to a world of learning and discovery by a teacher. Teaching is a blessing and privilege to uncover and reveal the brilliance of students as precious jewels.