Influencers ?

A social media influencer is a user who has established credibility in a specific industry, has access to a huge audience and can persuade others to act based on their recommendations. An influencer has the tools and authenticity to attract many viewers consistently and can motivate others to expand their social reach.

The whole idea of an “influencer" got me thinking about the people in my life who have had an influence on my perspective, or have added to my character. I looked back at my life in a slightly different way. I thought about moments that made me feel good about myself, and the memories that are still strong and vivid in my mind. The first person to pop in my head was my 11th grade English teacher, Ms. Smith.

The year is 2002. I am 17, and I have English with my three best friends. This was going to be a good class regardless. However- I did not know how great of an experience the class would be. Ms Smith has a bubbly and positive personality, and is a beaming light of optimism. She really made you think about the material she presented, and really digs for you to express yourself. I remember her asking for the class to share a memory that is tied to a sound. No one wanted to share. She gave a long pause - stared us down a bit, with her hands on her hips like a disappointed mother. I raised my hand and she called on me. “The sound of wind chimes make me think about being at my Uncle’s beach house.” Almost instantly the class erupted with laughter. Ms. Smith gained control of the class like she had casted a spell. She looked me straight in the eyes and thanked me for sharing. That day, she taught me something that was not in her lesson plan. She taught me that expressing myself was ok and appreciated. The second memory I have of Ms. Smith takes place shortly after my Grandfather passed away.  I had missed a few days of school, and when I returned she saw me in the hall and asked where I had been. I replied with “Sorry. I cannot control when my Grandparents die.” (Very 17 year old of me). She immediately gave me a big hug and said she was so sorry for my loss. It made me feel better, and I could tell she meant it. In that moment she did not have to do anything, but she did.

Eighteen years have gone by. We reunited in her classroom - which was my old French class room. I think the last time I was in Butler High School was back 2006 for a play my brother was in. This time it felt surreal to be in the halls again, with a very dystopian energy. Only about 30% of the student body was attending class due to Covid-19. We spent about 2 hours catching up while I set up and made her portrait. It felt like I came right back to class after a long weekend. We talked about everything, from whats going on in our lives to the state of the world. She told me that she still refers to my three friends and I as "the rabble rabble boys." If a former student sees her in public, her wife will ask if they are one of the rabble rabble boys. Some quick backstory: When the class would get unruly - we as a group would often shout "RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!" throwing our hands in the air. We were all class clowns, but we still did our class work while being unapologetically ourselves. She allowed us a lot of freedom that is no longer typically found in a high school classroom. I am forever thankful she was my teacher. I can only think of a few teachers in my life that have made the impact that she did.

Who influenced you growing up? Does any one person stand out as an influencer?