I believe that to learn something the student has to be an active participant. If students take ownership of their own learning, then the process of learning becomes meaningful and lasting. The educator is merely a facilitator for learning. Throughout my life I have been profoundly influenced by teachers who guided me through my own journey in education. They taught me that a good teacher opens the door, though it is you who must walk through it. With their encouragement, patience, and caring I overcame many hurdles to achieve things in education that I had always believed were beyond my grasp. Those achievements have led to a more fulfilling life. As an educator, I believe it is my duty to share with others what was given to me.