If you told freshman year me that multimedia/graphic applications was one of my favorite classes I would have laughed in your face. How could a class that works with computers for not only one class period, but for two be my favorite class? My educator of the year, Ms. Danay.

Hyped up on caffeine, I dragged myself to multimedia/graphic applications, shoved in headphones working on a “How to” video project when my former teacher announced a new teacher next week. I didn't think much of it. I figured a new teacher, would have no effect.

Eventually, the day came when a short woman with curly blond hair (that reminded me of my grandma—sorry, Ms. Danay!) came in. With a warm smile, she talked about her adorable sons and how she transferred from another high school about half an hour away. Almost every teacher does ice breakers on the first day, but she listened to each student and asked questions about our lives. She hushed other students when another student shared. She made a complete 180 in her life just because she saw an opportunity to come to Arrowhead, my high school, to be part of  “One Team” (our school motto).

I felt I mattered. This might sound strange seeing this woman didn't know my name yet, but it’s true. This is the way Ms. Danay makes everyone feel: welcomed, no matter what they look like or how little they seem to care.

Every morning, she asked the class how everyone was doing and then began telling us a story about something wild her sons did the night before. She reminded me of a momma bear protecting her cubs. I believe she carries this throughout not only her personal life, but also through her students.

She allows her students to be independent, but knows when students need help. I wanted to feel that warm and sunny attitude, if even just for 40 minutes. I was excited for summer, and a part of me knew that next year I would be able to feel the sun not from outside, but from her.

Second semester into junior year, she was my teacher for web design. I looked forward to seeing her for not only one period, but for two. Most students at Arrowhead hate block classes (classes for two periods instead of one) but I enjoyed it when Ms. Danay taught.

A couple weeks into that semester, I lost someone important in my life: my dad. Through my troubles, I remembered for at least two periods, I could take a breath of fresh air. I could talk to someone who made me feel mattered, cared about what not only me, but also my family. She checked in with me, our conversation brief, but felt like I had a classroom that felt like home. I wanted someone to just talk to me, and that is what she offered.

Given a challenging day at school, nothing seemed to go right. I was late. I failed my math test. And I couldn't get my web page to look the way that I wanted. I came in during another hour and asked for assistance and Ms. Danay came over. I will always remember these simple words: “Well, you are a strong girl, you will get through this.” With one sentence, she said everything I needed to hear.

If you told freshman year me I went through probably the worst time in my life, and actually look forward to going to a class, I would have chuckled. How did I get so lucky getting a teacher that actually cares about her students, that makes everyone feel welcomed? The answer is Ms. Danay.