My Eighth Grade English Teacher

After 20 years since eighth grade, I went back to Colorado Springs to track down the woman who had inspired me to ask big questions and broaden our perspective of reality. Mrs. Esmiol, now retired (but still intensely productive), met me in the lobby of a fancy downtown hotel for a lively conversation. We explored her story of persevering through assumptions society made about her limitations, her philosophy on the role of an educator, and how we can all embody this powerful intentionality to inspire the best in others. It was a gift to spend this time with her and to celebrate her lifetime of eternal tenacity to make the world a better place.