Linda Nelson made a huge difference in my life the year I was in her 6th-grade classroom. Ms. Nelson welcomed all students, in such a loving, caring way, yet pushed each of us to achieve beyond what we thought ourselves capable of. She loved Ziggy, the Boston Red Sox, and Neil Diamond. She shared so much of herself with us and we allowed ourselves to open up to not only her, but each other. I will forever credit Ms. Nelson as my inspiration to become a teacher, and she has been a huge part of my life ever since. Ms. Nelson attended my high school graduation, my college graduation, my wedding, and my daughter's high school graduation; her presence at our monthly lunches continues to inspire me! Thank you, Ms. Nelson, for always making me feel special and capable of whatever I put my mind to!