I’ve been lucky–perhaps blessed–to have had many inspirational teachers and professors who challenged, inspired, befriended and mentored me. It’s impossible to forget the educators who had a positive impact on our lives. Like me, many educators chose their career path because of one or two of their teachers who had a strong influence on them. The primary job of a college professor is teaching and scholarship, but in my opinion, this description is too reductive. Whether they’re in my class for a semester, a year, or for the major, my students are a massively important part of my life, which extends beyond the formal classroom and into our home, town, and community. A teacher/student relationship has its origins in the communication of the course material, but I believe the best lessons simultaneously teach the students more about themselves, the text, and the world around them. See my blog at http://traviscurtright.net/how-professors-can-have-the-greatest-impact-on-their-students/ for my tips!